Only 44% of Kenyan MPs Retain Seats

Political careers in Kenya are characterized by short tenures and uncertain outcomes. Since gaining independence, less than half of the Members of Parliament (MPs) have been able to retain their seats in subsequent elections. The reintroduction of multiparty politics in 1992 resulted in a significant turnover of KANU party members, leading to a reelection rate of only 25%. Despite the introduction of new seats such as Governor and Senator in 2010, which provided MPs with additional opportunities for reelection, the average reelection rate remained low. Only 5% of MPs have managed to serve three or more consecutive terms.

MPs in Kenya are increasingly turning to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) as a means of securing their political futures. Studies conducted in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe indicate that doubling CDF allocations increases the reelection rate by 30%. One example of this trend is the Kiharu MP, who has gained popularity for utilizing the CDF to pay for his constituents’ school fees. However, his sycophancy in national politics has drawn criticism.

In contrast to sub-Saharan Africa, the reelection rate for the United States House of Representatives is much higher, at 93%. Therefore, it is essential to constantly refresh and update one’s political strategy in order to remain relevant and increase the chances of reelection. This can be likened to regularly flushing a toilet to keep it clean and fresh.