Influence of Political Factors on Voter Abstention in by-Elections in Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate how political factors influences voter abstention in by-elections in Kenya. The study was pegged on the evidence of by-election that took place in Kakamega County between 1992 and 2017.  The study was guided by Economic theory of democracy. Survey research design was used to guide the study. The target population consisted of registered voters in Kakamega County as per 2017 Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission voter register, County Returning Officer of Kakamega County and 2 experts on election matters were used as respondents. Census, proportionate, convenient and purposive sampling techniques were adopted for the study. The questionnaires were used to collect information from voters while interview schedules were used to collect information from County Returning Officer and experts on election matters. The study established that absence of presidential candidates, reduced political competition, dominance of a political party in a particular region were factors that negatively impacted on voter turnout. The study recommends for Independent Electoral Commission and other civic bodies to mount aggressive Civic education during by-election just as general election as a way of containing voter apathy.