An Assessment of the impact of African Peer Review Mechanism as an Incentive for Improved Governance; A Case Study of Kenya, 2003-2009

Abstract

In Africa, technical interventions of capacity strengthening and mechanistic building of governance institutions, including through the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) had failed to rapidly produce the desired effects. The purpose of the study was therefore to understand the causes and processes of APRM as a tool for advancing good governance. The focus was to assess, and particularly targeting, some emerging conditions vis-a-vis the implementation of the APRM process in Kenya. It investigated the extent to which APRM has provided Kenya with solutions to address the issues of governance and the impediments to the process from 2003-2009. The key research questions that guided the study included what factors led to Kenya acceding to the APRM? Does the implementation of APRM favor improvement of institutions of governance? Is the APRM demand driven responding to the people’s demands, needs and aspirations? What value has the APRM process added on governance in Kenya? Both the primary sources and secondary sources of data were utilized in the study. The study findings indicated that there was great support for APRM as a continental owned and led initiative that represents an opportunity for accelerated political governance, economic governance, corporate governance and socio-economic development. The APRM has the potential for realizing its primary objectives, however the required political will to steer the process was severely lacking. There was need for genuine dedication by African Governments to governance reform processes by providing support and commitment to the implementation of the post-review recommendations.