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1708704PublishedVol 8 · Issue 11

Colonial Legacies and Institutional Persistence: A Political Economy Reappraisal of Kenya?s Developmental Constraints Through The Acemoglu-Johnson-Robinson Framework

Geoffrey Nyasimi Dr. Yasin Kuso Ghabon

Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities  ·  Area of research: Development Economics

Abstract

This article discusses the contribution of institutions to economic growth and specifically to Kenya by reinterpreting the powerful work of Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson. Their research highlights that political and economic institutions, and not geography or culture, are the ultimate causes of wealth. Using the case study of Kenya, this paper focuses on the long-term legacy of colonial extractive institutions and how they continue to exacerbate current problems including poor property rights, corruption, and political disenfranchisement. Analysis examines the longevity of these institutions and points towards the requirement for reform to promote inclusive economic development. By synthesizing empirical evidence and theoretical insights, the paper proposes policy recommendations for institutional reform in Kenya, including strengthening property rights, combating corruption, and enhancing political inclusivity. The research highlights the critical role of strong, equitable institutions for attaining long lasting economic prosperity as well as provides actionable roadmaps for how Kenya can overcome legacies of barriers.

Keywords

Institutions, Economic growth, Kenya, colonial legacy, extractive institutions, political inclusiveness, property rights, corruption, institutional reform.

How to cite this paper

Geoffrey Nyasimi, Dr. Yasin Kuso Ghabon "Colonial Legacies and Institutional Persistence: A Political Economy Reappraisal of Kenya?s Developmental Constraints Through The Acemoglu-Johnson-Robinson Framework" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 11 2025 Page 1861-1865
Geoffrey Nyasimi, Dr. Yasin Kuso Ghabon "Colonial Legacies and Institutional Persistence: A Political Economy Reappraisal of Kenya?s Developmental Constraints Through The Acemoglu-Johnson-Robinson Framework" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 8, no. 11, May. 2025
Geoffrey Nyasimi, Dr. Yasin Kuso Ghabon (2025). Colonial Legacies and Institutional Persistence: A Political Economy Reappraisal of Kenya?s Developmental Constraints Through The Acemoglu-Johnson-Robinson Framework. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(11).
Geoffrey Nyasimi, Dr. Yasin Kuso Ghabon "Colonial Legacies and Institutional Persistence: A Political Economy Reappraisal of Kenya?s Developmental Constraints Through The Acemoglu-Johnson-Robinson Framework" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 8, no. 11, May. 2025.
@article{1708704,
      author = {Geoffrey Nyasimi, Dr. Yasin Kuso Ghabon},
      title = {Colonial Legacies and Institutional Persistence: A Political Economy Reappraisal of Kenya?s Developmental Constraints Through The Acemoglu-Johnson-Robinson Framework},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {8},
      number = {11},
      pages = {1861-1865},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1708704.pdf},
      abstract = {This article discusses the contribution of institutions to economic growth and specifically to Kenya by reinterpreting the powerful work of Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson. Their research highlights that political and economic institutions, and not geography or culture, are the ultimate causes of wealth. Using the case study of Kenya, this paper focuses on the long-term legacy of colonial extractive institutions and how they continue to exacerbate current problems including poor property rights, corruption, and political disenfranchisement. Analysis examines the longevity of these institutions and points towards the requirement for reform to promote inclusive economic development. By synthesizing empirical evidence and theoretical insights, the paper proposes policy recommendations for institutional reform in Kenya, including strengthening property rights, combating corruption, and enhancing political inclusivity. The research highlights the critical role of strong, equitable institutions for attaining long lasting economic prosperity as well as provides actionable roadmaps for how Kenya can overcome legacies of barriers.},
      keywords = {Institutions, Economic growth, Kenya, colonial legacy, extractive institutions, political inclusiveness, property rights, corruption, institutional reform.},
      month = {May},
  }