Consultative Workshop on the African Peer Review Mechanism and the Security Problem in Kenya
Nairobi, 8 August 2008
- Concept Note (PDF 50kb)
- Programme (PDF 74kb)
- Kenya: A Case of No Longer At Ease? Opening Remarks by Tom Kagwe, KHRC (PDF 1.12MB)
- Governing Security in Kenya: Presentation by Dr Migai Akech (PDF 45kb)
- APRM / NEPAD and its Relevance to the Security Problem in Kenya: Presentation by Adams Oloo, University of Nairobi (PDF 160kb)
- Workshop Report (PDF 73kb)
Attendance is strictly by invitation only
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) are organizing a consultative workshop on the security question in Kenya in the context of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). This forum will be held on 8 August 2008, at the Grand Regency Hotel, Baringo/Bogoria room, Nairobi starting at 9:00am to 4.30pm.
The African Peer Review Panel of Eminent Persons published the Country Review Report of the Republic of Kenya in May 2006. The report is a thorough assessment of Kenya in the four thematic areas of concern to the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) framework – democracy and political governance; economic governance and management; corporate governance; and socio-economic management. Appended to the Report is a detailed National Programme of Action (POA) suggesting precise action points.
One and half years after the launch of the Report as well as the POA, Kenya plunged into violence of an unprecedented nature. It is estimated that over one thousand people lost their lives while close to four hundred thousand others were displaced in a span of just two months. Militia groups actively instilled fear as well as killed members of targeted ethnic communities. Other reports claim that Kenya’s security apparatus (especially the Kenya Police Force and Administrative Police) also contributed to the post 2007 election violence. It is widely believed that State security agents were involved both in election rigging and during the actual violence.
What is however most disturbing, is the fact that Kenya descended into anarchy within eighteen months after the APRM framework had reviewed the governance of the State and made specific recommendations for reform of the security sector. A number of questions therefore seek answers: Why did Kenya plunge into the state of insecurity just a few months after the Panel of Eminent Persons had described Kenya as the haven of peace? Why didn’t Kenya use the APRM Programme of Action to address these issues? Does the APRM sufficiently address the issue of security reform in Kenya? What is the proper role for the security agents in democratic elections?
Enquiries: Annie B Chikwanha, ISS Nairobi, Tel + 254 20 300 5726/28; Fax: + 254 20 271 1063; email: achikwanha@issafrica.org
