The world was shocked three years ago when post-election violence broke out after Kenya's presidential election. The ostensible reason for the violence was that now-prime minister, Raila Okinga, claimed that Kenya's current president, Mwai Kibaki, stole the votes from him. The violence was primarily ethnic-based. With more than 40 ethnic groups living together in Kenya, some tension is lilkely to be expected, especially given that the country's former colonial ruler, Great Britain, typecast them. Certain groups were assigned to be guards, farmhands, teachers, bureaucrats, etc. Following Britain's exit, a winner-take-all presidential electoral system opened the door to widespread corruption. The new constitution, which was approved by 67 percent of those who participated in the referendum, is designed to remedy many of the problems that are the legacy of imperialist colonialism. The new constitution will grant more power to local governments, give Kenyans a bill of rights and pave the way for land reform, a significant social problem. The constitution is also expected to put a hamper on corruption that has plagued this country since independence in 1963. Just as important as what the new constitution will provide is the fact that the referendum was held with no accusations of fraud and without violence. Sharply divergent opinions were expressed publicly with no negative reactions other than those coming from a respectful opposition. We have become far too accustomed to hearing dysfunctional governments and civil strife across Africa, so when a country that saw 1,000 of its citizens killed in election violence three years ago holds a referendum under peaceful and secure conditions, it is something to cheer about. Not only does it bode well for the citizens of Kenya, it also opens the doors wide to a robust tourism industry that was disrupted by the violence of 2007. May Kenya's future be as fruitful as its electoral present. __
