"A Leader Is Associated with Development": Kenya's Constituency Development Fund in Historical Perspective 1

This article analyzes the history and politics of Kenya's Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The fund, which reflects historic expectations about legislators' behavior, has evolved along with the Kenyan state since its inauguration in 2003. Challenges to legislators' autonomy over i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Africa today 2021-10, Vol.68 (1), p.23-46
Main Author: Harris, Kirk A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Authoritarianism
Autonomy
By products
Civil society
Community
Constituents
Interviews
Legislators
Members of Parliament
News
Patronage
Political activism
Political representation
Politicians
Segmentation
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Summary:This article analyzes the history and politics of Kenya's Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The fund, which reflects historic expectations about legislators' behavior, has evolved along with the Kenyan state since its inauguration in 2003. Challenges to legislators' autonomy over its management reflect a fragmentation of political authority, as politicians seek control over resources to signal their commitment to development and establish themselves as leaders in their communities. The article draws on more than 150 original interviews with CDF stakeholders, records from Kenya's Parliamentary Hansard, reports from civil society organizations, and news articles from Kenyan media.
ISSN:0001-9887
1527-1978
DOI:10.2979/africatoday.68.1.02