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Strategy Brief: (Why) does Democracy Matter?

The global trend toward populist and nationalist political forces described in Freedom House’s

2017 Freedom in the World report has been blamed by some as a reaction to the perceived

failure of democracy, as many major democracies worldwide face destabilizing global and

national events.1 As a democratic country in East Africa, Kenya is a critical force for

democracy and human rights promotion among its unstable and backsliding neighbors.

However, President Uhuru Kenyatta has also exploited citizens’ growing fear of terrorism,

among other things, to justify increased surveillance, tighter border security, restricted civic

space, and in some cases, brutal violence as a means to greater citizen safety. The Government

of Kenya has reacted to violent extremism by violating the fundamental rights of Kenyans

suspected of terrorism and instituting harsh security laws, such as the Security Laws

(Amendment) Act of 2014, used to restrict operating space for civil society and media.

In the midst of a global backlash against democratic values, we as a global civil society need

to play a stronger role in countering the narrative that democracy has failed by

demonstrating its many benefits. The diversity, transparency, and respect for human rights that

are the bedrock of a democratic society contribute to the kind of development that makes

nations, and citizens, more prosperous and more secure. Globally, populist leaders’ claims to

be the eradicators of all social ills may tempt citizens to give power to a consolidated executive,

but studies by the Fund for Peace and Freedom House show that participatory and inclusive

democracy keeps citizens safer from extremism because it puts clear limits on the power of

government and enables citizens to choose their leaders. In this sense, democracy matters

because it makes citizens happier, more financially secure, safer, and better able to dictate what

happens in their society.

Indeed, Kenya’s 2010 Constitution is founded on and seeks to advance participatory

democracy. Article 10 identifies public participation as one of the principles of governance.

Almost all chapters of the Constitution put emphasis on and link public participation to

effective delivery of services by public institutions. Devolution of power from the national to

47 county governments is one of the mechanisms designed to promote public participation.

One of the objects of devolved government is “to give powers of self-governance to the people

and enhance the participation of the people in the exercise of the powers of the State and in

making decisions affecting them.”

In pre-election Kenya, where campaign narratives are becoming increasingly reductionist and

divisive in advance of the August 2017 elections, there is a critical need to articulate why

democracy matters to the everyday lives of citizens. Freedom House has carried out two online

public perception surveys to better understand the priorities of Kenyan citizens. This brief will

highlight the most recent survey findings, but it is important to note that the 2,779 respondents

1 Freedom in the World 2017. Freedom House, 2017, https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-

world-2017.

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to the 2015 survey identified security, corruption and poverty as the greatest challenges

that Kenya faces.2 Civil society is in a unique position to not only address these citizen

priorities but also make a strong argument for why democracy is a necessary precondition for

effectively and sustainably tackling them; thus far, however, we have collectively been unable

to convincingly make this case.

Democracy Matters

There is a wealth of information available to civil society that shows that participatory

democracy has a positive impact on exactly the areas Kenyan citizens identified as priorities.

Democracy makes citizens safer through respect for due process and rule of law, which make

the rules clear for both citizens and armed forces. According to the Fund for Peace’s Fragile

State Index, Countries ranked “Free” by Freedom House’s Freedom in the World are rated

more stable than “Partly Free” and “Not Free” countries. Kenya, however, is losing some of its

economic gains to declining tourism over concerns about extremism and terrorism.3 Human

Rights Watch confirms that human rights abuses by Kenyan armed forces in the name of

security are rampant, increasing grievances against the government and driving radicalization.4

Far from making citizens safer, these actions undermine accountability; it is impossible for

citizens to abide by rules that are subject to interpretation and whim. The government’s efforts

to undermine organizations monitoring security sector abuses (such as HAKI Africa and

MUHURI) violates free speech, closes democratic space and removes yet another check on the

actions of actors that could make Kenya less safe.

The transparency, accountability, and rule of law that come with a respect for human rights and

democracy are also key to attacking corruption. Democratic institutions, such as independent

media and courts that are free from political pressure, help establish clear rules that contribute

to a less risky (and more attractive) business environment.5 In Kenya, independent media has

been instrumental in exposing corruption and accountability issues, such the lack of

independence exhibited by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission during the 2016

investigation into missing National Youth Service funds.6 Incidents of corruption undermine

business confidence and independent commissions, media, courts, and civil society are

essential to exposing and prosecuting these cases. The fact that “Free” countries outperform

2 “Kenya: Public Support for Human Rights Groups.” Freedom House, 10 Dec 2015,

https://freedomhouse.org/article/kenya-public-support-human-rights-groups. 3 Bellamy, Carol. “Preventing violent extremism and promoting human development for all: A critical issue on

the global development agenda.” Human Development Report 2016. United Nations Development Programme,

2016, pp.158, http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/2016_human_development_report.pdf. 4 “Deaths and Disappearances: Abuses in Counterterrorism Operations in Nairobi and in Northeastern Kenya.”

Human Rights Watch, 19 Jul 2016, https://www.hrw.org/report/2016/07/19/deaths-and-disappearances/abuses-

counterterrorism-operations-nairobi-and. 5 Doing Business 2017. World Bank Group,

http://www.doingbusiness.org/~/media/WBG/DoingBusiness/Documents/Annual-Reports/English/DB17-

Chapters/DB17-About-Doing-Business.pdf. 6 “Governance Assessment, Kenya: January 2013 – July 2016.” Freedom House, 2016, pp. 12-14,

https://freedomhouse.org/sites/default/files/Governance%20Assessment%20Kenya%202016.pdf

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Partly Free and Not Free countries in every one of the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business

Index indicators shows a clear correlation between democratic governance and the business

sector’s need for sustainable economic growth.

Kenya was ranked one of the most improved economies in the 2015/16 Doing Business report

after implementing regulatory reforms making it easier to conduct business.7 The Jubilee

Manifesto prioritizes making the country a strong trading partner in Africa, but economic gains

are tenuous in the absence of real democracy. A true democracy’s respect for rule of law

makes it a predictable, and thereby more stable, economic environment for risk-averse

investors; Kenyan authorities’ discretional application of the law undermines predictability,

which can make the country less attractive to business. The use of extrajudicial executions and

enforced disappearance as a tactic to counter security threats, for example, could create a

volatile business environment and frighten away foreign and local investors, thus undermining

the administration’s stated commitment to socioeconomic development. Kenya need only look

to the Philippines for an example of the economic ramifications of a government playing to

citizens’ fears and disregarding the rule of law.8

Democracy, therefore, also contributes to economic

growth: “Free” countries outperform sub-Saharan

Africa’s top economies on the World Bank’s Ease of

Doing Business Index because democratic factors such

as independence of the judiciary, independent anti-

corruption bodies and predictable law enforcement

have a positive influence on the business environment.9

When corruption is kept at bay by transparency and

respect for the rule of law, this ultimately reduces

poverty and increases overall well-being.

When compared to the UN’s Human Development Index, “Free” countries enjoy higher rates

of human development, including better education, life expectancy, and GNI per capita. The

Economist’s Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index finds a correlation between democracy,

well-being, and happiness: nine of 10 countries ranked highest in terms of democratic values

also scored well on levels of wellbeing (as defined by the OECD) and levels of happiness (as

defined by the World Happiness report).10

7 “Kenya.” Doing Business 2017. World Bank Group,

http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/kenya. 8 Woody, Christopher. “The Philippines' bloody crackdown on drugs is now harming the country's economy.”

Business Insider, 21 September 2016, http://www.businessinsider.com/rodrigo-duterte-philippines-violence-

scaring-investors-hurting-economy-2016-9?IR=T 9 Begović, Boris. “How Democracy Influences Growth.” Center for International Private Enterprise, 1 Jul 2013,

http://www.cipe.org/publications/detail/how-democracy-influences-growth. 10 Bourke, Emily and Laura Brierley Newton. “Democracy: How important is it to our happiness?” ABC News,

17 Mar 2017, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-17/democracy-does-it-make-us-happy/8363656?pfm=ms.

Sound economic policies, solid

democratic institutions responsive to

the needs of the people, and improved

infrastructure are the basis for

sustained economic growth, poverty

eradication, and employment creation.

Santiago Commitment

Community of Democracies, 2015

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Making the Case for Democracy

Civil society needs to harness this data supporting the respect for democracy and rule of law

and share it in a meaningful way to create a demand for democracy among citizens. In early

2017, Freedom House carried out a public opinion survey (a follow-up to the 2015 survey

mentioned above), which gathered nearly 2,700 Kenyan citizens’ input on why democracy

matters, how it impacts their lives, how citizens engage in political processes outside of

elections, and how they view human rights groups. While Freedom House’s 2015 survey found

that Kenyan citizens look to human rights groups to help them address their priority concerns,

including security, corruption, and poverty, its 2017 survey shows that citizens do not see the

connection between democracy and these issues. Select findings from the survey are

included below and all data is included as an annex to this brief.

In response to a question on

the benefits of democracy in

Kenya, the 2017 survey

respondents tended to

prioritize their ability to

engage in the political

process rather than linking

democracy to priority issue

areas. While it is

unsurprising that 56% of

respondents indicated that

the best part about Kenya

being a democracy is that

they are free to participate

in political and social

activities, their vote counts,

or that they are free to exercise their beliefs, it is noteworthy that only 14% said they are safer

or have better economic opportunities as a result of Kenya’s democracy. Similarly, only 21%

of respondents said that their biggest concern if Kenya were not a democracy would be

decreased safety or increased poverty. This disconnect between citizen’s priority issues and the

benefits of democracy indicates a weakness in overall support for democracy since citizens do

not connect the political system to their lived reality. Civil society has an important role to

play in clearly making the link between democracy and security and economic wellbeing for

citizens. In the following section, Freedom House will offer some concrete recommendations

on how to do this.

Free to exercise my

beliefs14%

Safety8%

Better Economic

Opportunities6%My Opinions

are heard13%

Free participation in

the political process

27%

My vote counts

15%

None of the above16%

The BEST part about Kenya being a democracy is...

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In addition, more than one

fourth of respondents said that

their principle role in

democracy was to vote every

five years. This prioritization

of elections is also often

reflected in civil society’s

work and donors’ priorities.

However, voting alone is not

indicative of a strong, vibrant

democracy and this ignores

the further 61% of

respondents who believe their

principle role lies in running

for office, speaking out against injustice, exposing corruption, or holding their leaders

accountable. The survey findings show that Kenyans are open to political engagement in many

forms. However, in response to the question, “which of the following most prevents you from

engaging with your elected leaders?”, 18% of respondents said no one is organizing a way for

them to engage and 15% said they didn’t know how. In this sense, civil society has not

capitalized on citizens’ willingness to engage beyond elections and there remains a gap

between citizens’ ideas of what it means to live in a democracy and their perceived ability to

effect meaningful change. This gap becomes even more evident in responses to the question,

“what is the most effective way to hold your leaders accountable?” Thirty-four percent of

respondents answered that voting in elections is the most effective way to hold leaders

accountable. Nevertheless, the survey found that other avenues for engagement on

accountability, such as participation in civil society advocacy (19%), have some support from

citizens on which civil society ought to capitalize.

The feedback from this

survey contains a valuable

lesson for civil society and

donors regarding their role

between elections: after

years of heavy focus on

voter education, what is

truly needed in Kenya now

is broad civic education

and engagement outside of

the election period.

Broadening the scope of

civic engagement beyond the

election season by

expanding opportunities for citizens to attend constituent meetings, engage on social media,

Vote every five years

26%

Hold officials accountable

14%

Expose corruption

10%

Speak out against

injustice34%

Run for elected office

3%

Mind my own business

14%

As a Kenyan, what is your principle role in democracy?

Social Media12%

Protests and Demonstrations

6%

Attend constituent

meetings10%

Participate in Civil Society

advocacy19%

Vote in elections

34%

Write letters and sign petitions

4%

Don't know15%

What is the MOST effective way to hold your leaders accountable?

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write letters and sign petitions, or participate in advocacy or demonstrations, will deepen

citizens’ engagement in democracy and bridge the gap between democratic ideas and actual

practice. Furthermore, expanding democratic values through education or cultural activities

could go a long way in creating a critical mass of defenders of those values. The foundation for

this already exists: in response to the question, “What would concern you the most if Kenya

were not a democracy,” 41% said they would not be free to exercise their rights.

Not only is there demand for

civil society organizations to

expand their engagement,

but these organizations also

have support. Fifty-four

percent of respondents said

that their perception of

human rights groups has

improved in the last year,

with 30% saying it improved

a bit and 24% saying it

improved a lot. These

responses indicate that the

Kenyatta administration’s

narrative against civil

society has not significantly influenced public opinion and that civil society organizations still

have a window of opportunity to meaningfully engage with citizens on their priority issues.

This could go a long way towards securing Kenya’s democratic and constitutional gains, but

civil society must acknowledge in its advocacy that democracy matters because it brings with

it positive things that most citizens want, such as happiness, better business, safety, and the

chance to have a voice.

Recommendations for Civil Society

Based on the findings of Freedom House’s 2015 and 2017 perception surveys and drawing on

the evidence linking democracy and citizen priority areas, Freedom House submits the

following suggestions to our partners in Kenyan civil society.

Try to focus less on the inherent value of democracy and illustrate to citizens the link

between democracy and these benefits – as demonstrated above, the link between

democracy and security is not clear or nuanced; if citizens don’t see democracy as

linked to security, why will they want democracy? Similarly, if citizens do not see a

connection between democracy and their own economic wellbeing, will they be

concerned if Kenya becomes less democratic?

Engage with citizens who are eager to have an impact – 34% of survey respondents

believed that as Kenyans, their principle role in democracy was to speak out against

injustice. Only 12% of respondents believed that ‘democracy does not change

Yes, improved a lot24%

Yes, improved a bit30%

No28%

Yes, worsened a bit8%

Yes, worsened a lot10%

Over the last year, has your perception of human rights groups changed?

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anything’, which means the vast majority of Kenyans see at least a theoretical benefit

to living in a democratic country. However, when asked what human rights activities

they had participated in most often, the largest number of survey respondents said they

had not participated in any. Civil society organizations must harness this energy by

increasing their visibility, stepping up outreach to citizens, and showing people how to

effect change in between elections.

Connect people to their leaders outside of elections – many citizens don’t know how

to engage with their leaders to hold them accountable (15%) and believe that no one is

organizing a way for them to do so (18%). There is a clear opening for civil society

organizations to facilitate connections between interested citizens and their elected

officials through the lens of accountability. The evidence shows that civil society should

continue to organize county-level dialogues or town hall-style meetings between

citizens and their leaders and secure commitments from leaders on priority issues for

citizens. Show citizens that their voice matters even more between elections than it does

at the voting booth.

Tailor your message to different communities – security, poverty and corruption are

national-level priorities as shown by Freedom House’s 2015 survey. However, making

the case for the link between these issues and democracy is not a “one size fits all”

endeavor. For example, safety, particularly related to violent extremism, is likely more

of a concern for those in Kenya’s Northeast and Coast. Framing democracy promotion

not only as a moral obligation but as a security measure will resonate more with these

populations. On the other hand, the business community will be particularly swayed by

arguments for and actions in favor of prosperity. In making the case for democracy, be

aware of your audience and adapt your messaging accordingly.

Work to bolster civil society organizations’ own legitimacy, relevance and

accountability to further improve the perceptions of the Kenyan people vis-à-vis the

government. Civil society organizations must be beyond reproach in terms of their

systems to ensure transparency, accountability, and fair practices. Civil society must

set an example for the Government of Kenya and show Kenyan citizens that it embodies

the ideals it demands of the authorities.

Push for more programs and policies to hold government authorities accountable for

better service delivery, demonstrating to citizens that civil society is working in the

public interest. Civil society organizations, and particularly human rights defenders, are

most vulnerable when they lack public support. Freedom House’s surveys have shown

that perceptions of human rights organizations are more positive than might be expected

given the anti-civil society rhetoric from the Kenyatta administration. Civil society

must continue to serve, and be seen, as a voice against injustice and as an advocate for

citizens in order to maintain public support.

ANNEX 1: SURVEY FINDINGS

Annex 1: Survey Findings

The survey reflects the opinions of a representative sample of 2,695 Kenyans, interviewed

February 10-25, 2017. The weighted and unweighted percentages are shown here. The weighted

number is shown in order to ensure that the survey results are not just reflective of young males

(the primary demographic that responded). Therefore, the analysis balances the raw data against

the most recent Kenyan Census data for age and gender to ensure that the results are more

representative of Kenyan demographics.

RIWI Corporation of Toronto, Canada, in partnership with Freedom House, conducted this

survey using Random Domain Intercept Technology (RDIT). For more information on RIWI,

visit: https://riwi.com/.

Q1 - What is your age and gender?

Age Group Respondents Percent Weighted

16-24 1808 39% 29%

25-34 1788 39% 28%

35-44 551 12% 20%

45-54 237 5% 11%

55-64 154 3% 7%

65 and over 93 2% 5%

TOTAL 4631

Gender Respondents Percent Weighted

Male 3434 74% 50%

Female 1197 26% 50%

TOTAL 4631

Q2 - The BEST part about Kenya being a democracy is…

Respondents Percent Weighted

I am free to exercise my beliefs 384 13% 14%

I am safer 233 8% 8%

I have better economic opportunities 183 6% 6%

My opinions are heard and respected 385 13% 13%

I am free to participate in political and

social activities

782 27% 27%

My vote counts 462 16% 15%

None of the above 436 15% 16%

TOTAL 2865

Q3 - What would concern you the MOST if Kenya were not a democracy…

Respondents Percent Weighted

I would not be safe 386 14% 14%

I would be poorer than I am now 196 7% 7%

ANNEX 1: SURVEY FINDINGS

I would not be free to exercise my rights 1139 41% 41%

My opinion would not be heard 502 18% 17%

Democracy doesn’t change anything 287 10% 12%

Kenya is not a democracy 274 10% 9%

TOTAL 2784

Q4 - What are these people doing?

Photo courtesy of Inuka Kenya

Respondents Percent Weighted

Trying to overthrow the government 170 6% 6%

Exercising their right to protest 1838 65% 63%

Calling for accountability 646 23% 23%

Disturbing the peace 185 7% 7%

TOTAL 2839

Q5 - In your opinion, what is the MOST effective way to hold your leaders accountable?

Respondents Percent Weighted

Social media 334 12% 12%

Protests/demonstrations 205 7% 6%

Attend constituent meetings 221 8% 10%

Participate in civil society advocacy

activities

559 20% 19%

Vote in elections 978 35% 34%

Write letters and sign petitions 113 4% 4%

Don’t know 386 14% 15%

TOTAL 2796

ANNEX 1: SURVEY FINDINGS

Q6 - As a Kenyan, what is your principle role in democracy?

Respondents Percent Weighted

To vote every 5 years 705 25% 26%

To hold officials accountable 353 12% 14%

To expose corruption 271 10% 10%

To speak out against injustice 1019 36% 34%

To run for elected office 80 3% 3%

To mind my own business 404 14% 14%

TOTAL 2832

Q7 - Which of the following MOST prevents you from engaging with your elected leaders?

Respondents Percent Weighted

I do not know how to contact them 390 14% 15%

I do not think they will listen 433 16% 16%

I think they are too corrupt 707 26% 25%

I do not think they are powerful 109 4% 4%

I do not think they impact my life 420 16% 16%

I am afraid to contact them 129 5% 5%

No one is organizing a way for me to

interact

507 19% 18%

TOTAL 2695

Q8 - Which human rights groups' activities have you participated in MOST often?

Respondents Percent Weighted

Civic education 376 13% 12%

Demonstrations or marches 152 5% 5%

Signed a petition 125 4% 5%

Volunteer work 657 23% 22%

Community forums 394 14% 13%

Online campaigns 249 9% 8%

Other (open ended) 169 6% 7%

Have not participated 744 26% 27%

TOTAL 2866

Q9 - Over the last year, has your perception of human rights groups changed?

Respondents Percent Weighted

Yes, improved a lot 753 26% 24%

Yes, improved a bit 882 30% 30%

No 789 27% 28%

Yes, worsened a bit 208 7% 8%

Yes, worsened a lot 288 10% 10%

TOTAL 2920

ANNEX 1: SURVEY FINDINGS

Q10 - What is the highest level of education you have attained?

Respondents Percent Weighted

KCPE 184 10% 11%

KCSE 602 33% 28%

College diploma 411 22% 24%

University degree 510 28% 26%

Master’s degree or PhD 131 7% 10%

TOTAL 1838

Q11 - Which of the following regions do you live in?

Respondents Percent Weighted

Central 177 10% 9%

Coast 146 8% 9%

Eastern 140 8% 7%

North Eastern 37 2% 2%

Nyanza 179 10% 9%

Rift Valley 413 22% 20%

Western 146 8% 7%

Nairobi 612 33% 36%

TOTAL 1850

Q12 - Which of the following counties do you live in?

Note: this question was narrowly asked based on the respondent’s region and was not asked of

those who selected Nairobi.

Respondents Percent Weighted

Nyandarua 17 1% 1%

Nyeri 30 2% 2%

Kirinyaga 28 2% 3%

Muranga 31 3% 3%

Kiambu 70 6% 6%

Kwale 17 1% 2%

Kilifi 23 2% 2%

Tana River 7 1% 1%

Lamu 4 0% 1%

Taita Taveta 14 1% 1%

Mombasa 80 7% 8%

Marsabit 3 0% 0%

Isiolo 8 1% 1%

Meru 33 3% 2%

Tharaka Nithi 8 1% 1%

Embu 17 1% 1%

Kitui 19 2% 1%

Machakos 32 3% 2%

Makueni 19 2% 2%

ANNEX 1: SURVEY FINDINGS

Garissa 12 1% 1%

Wajir 9 1% 1%

Mandera 14 1% 1%

Siaya 36 3% 3%

Kisumu 52 4% 4%

Homa Bay 23 2% 1%

Migori 14 1% 1%

Kisii 39 3% 3%

Nyamira 16 1% 2%

Turkana 13 1% 1%

West Pokot 14 1% 1%

Samburu 1 0% 0%

Trans Nzoia 31 3% 3%

Uasin Gishu 71 6% 6%

Elgeyo Marakwet 21 2% 2%

Nandi 28 2% 2%

Baringo 13 1% 1%

Laikipia 14 1% 1%

Nakuru 81 7% 6%

Narok 24 2% 2%

Kajiado 17 1% 1%

Kericho 41 3% 3%

Bomet 41 3% 3%

Kakamega 56 5% 4%

Vihiga 12 1% 1%

Bungoma 52 4% 4%

Busia 22 2% 2%

TOTAL 1227