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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.

References

[1] Acemoglu, D., Johnson, S., & Robinson, J. A. (2001). The colonial origins of comparative development: An empirical investigation. American Economic Review, 91(5), 1369–1401.

[2] Acemoglu, D., Johnson, S., & Robinson, J. A. (2002). Reversal of fortune: Geography and institutions in the making of the modern world income distribution. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 117(4), 1231–1294.

[3] Acemoglu, D., & Robinson, J. A. (2006). Economic origins of dictatorship and democracy. Cambridge University Press.

[4] Acemoglu, D., & Robinson, J. A. (2012). Why nations fail: The origins of power, prosperity, and poverty. Crown Publishers.

[5] Acemoglu, D., Gallego, F. A., & Robinson, J. A. (2014). Institutions, human capital, and development. Annual Review of Economics, 6(1), 875–912.

[6] Albouy, D. (2012). The colonial origins of comparative development: An investigation of the settler mortality data. American Economic Review, 102(6), 3059–3076.

[7] Banerjee, A., & Iyer, L. (2005). History, institutions, and economic performance: The legacy of colonial land tenure systems in India. American Economic Review, 95(4), 1190–1213.

[8] La Porta, R., Lopez-de-Silanes, F., Shleifer, A., & Vishny, R. W. (1997). Legal determinants of external finance. Journal of Finance, 52(3), 1131–1150.

[9] La Porta, R., Lopez-de-Silanes, F., Shleifer, A., & Vishny, R. W. (1998). Law and finance. Journal of Political Economy, 106(6), 1113–1155.

[10] Lipset, S. M. (1959). Some social requisites of democracy: Economic development and political legitimacy. American Political Science Review, 53(1), 69–105.

[11] Michalopoulos, S., & Papaioannou, E. (2013). Pre-colonial ethnic institutions and contemporary African development. Econometrica, 81(1), 113–152.

[12] Nunn, N. (2008). The long-term effects of Africa’s slave trades. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 123(1), 139–176.

[13] United Nations. (2017). World development report: Governance and the law. The World Bank.

[14] World Bank. (2017). World development report 2017: Governance and the law. World Bank Publications.

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},
  }