Book Chapter
Kenya

Kenya has been known for its absence of violent conflicts, and this can be attributed to its independence – both certainly and absolutely – from its neighbouring countries. Kenya did not experience a complex humanitarian emergency; yet this chapter takes an interest in the country due to the relatively minor violence it has been experiencing up to the present date. Socio-economic developments, however, created threats to the stability of the government, and these included ethnic clashes. There has also been extensive and continuing violence in some remote parts of the country, and even criminal activity in the urban areas. The chapter provides a background to Kenya's people and region, and then a historical and political overview. It also explores socio-economic and ethnic differentiation. Lastly, the chapter talks about the constraints on conflict that have been enforced by the government since colonial times.