Abstract: Highly contested elections are characterised by electoral violence and high levels of uncertainty that negatively impact on economic activities of the country. This is was a descriptive study. A case study design employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches to explore the impacts of electoral violence on economic development of Kenya by examining data during and after election periods. Quantitative data was derived from a desk review of economic monitor indicators from World Bank database and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics for the period between 1990 and 2017. Qualitative data was from in-depth interviews which were conducted with five business individuals by use of a semi-structured interview guide. Comparative analysis of the data was done on an annual and monthly basis. Comparative analysis was also done for years of peaceful elections and years that experienced electoral violence. The findings suggested that electoral month was significantly affected by electoral violence in comparison to the electoral year. Economic activities remained stable and even increased during the years of peaceful elections in comparison to years of electoral violence. The findings revealed that significant economic development can be achieved with peaceful elections and therefore there is need to halt electoral violence through creation of awareness on the importance of embracing peaceful elections and its impact on the economy.Abstract: Highly contested elections are characterised by electoral violence and high levels of uncertainty that negatively impact on economic activities of the country. This is was a descriptive study. A case study design employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches to explore the impacts of electoral violence on economic development of Kenya by ex...Show More
