This how Kenya can redesign its flawed electoral system

Redesigning Kenya’s Electoral System: A Call to Action
In the wake of mounting unrest and criticism over the credibility of elections, Kenya finds itself at a crucial juncture. The recent protests in 2023, which resulted in tragic loss of life, have spotlighted deep-seated flaws in the nation’s electoral machinery and democratic institutions. According to observers, citizens increasingly feel that they are not losing fairly — a phrase summarizing the frustration that the process lacks legitimacy and transparency.
The criticisms stem from long‑standing issues: a winner‑takes‑all culture, weak accountability measures, and institutions that fail to shore up public trust. Reform advocates argue that the current system fosters division rather than consensus, and that elections have become a flashpoint for political violence. In response, suggestions have emerged emphasizing the need to rethink how elections are structured: from improving voter education and enhancing independent oversight, to redesigning constituencies and ensuring proportional representation that better reflects Kenya’s diverse electorate. The aim is to move from a system that simply declares winners and losers to one that guarantees credible outcomes and shared ownership of the process.
Reaction to these proposals has been mixed but increasingly urgent. Civil society groups, electoral reform activists, and human rights organisations have voiced support for overhaul efforts, noting that credible elections are foundational to democracy and national stability. On the other hand, some political actors express caution — wary of changes that could shift power dynamics or unsettle established interests. Nevertheless, the momentum appears to be with those pushing for change, as public confidence in electoral outcomes continues to wobble and the cost of perceived unfairness grows ever higher for Kenya’s social cohesion.
Looking ahead, Kenya faces a choice: adapt and modernise the electoral architecture or risk further erosion of legitimacy and trust. The forthcoming election cycles are set to serve as a critical test. Should reforms be enacted — whether legislative, institutional or technological — the country could set a new standard of democratic integrity in East Africa. If not, the unrest of recent years may only be the beginning of a deeper crisis of governance and representation.