Editor's note

When wealthy business people invest in elections they expect their interests to be protected. This has been the expectation in Kenyan politics where large corporations and high-net-worth individuals have a long history of trying to influence the state. Faith Kiboro examines the intersection where money meets politics and its impact on democracy.

Given the controversies swirling around South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma, it’s difficult to imagine the governing ANC being in any reasonable shape to face the electorate in 2019. Whether the upcoming no confidence vote against Zuma is successful or not, the party is in dire straits argues, Roger Southall.

Julie Masiga

Editor

Top story

The cost of election campaigns in Kenya runs into billions of shilling. Daniel Irungu/EPA

Kenya's election jitters have roots in campaign financing. It's time to act

Faith Kiboro, SMC University

In Kenya, the overwhelming majority of political contributions come from a tiny number of individuals. This model of financing turns politics into a high-stakes game that very often turns violent.

Politics + Society

Arts + Culture

Science + Technology

Business + Economy

From our international editions