The 1979 election produced a parliament entirely composed of KANU nominees, continuing the one-party system. All successful primary candidates were elected to Parliament unopposed, and no independent or opposition candidates were elected. The parliament elected in 1979 numbered approximately 160 MPs, similar in size to the 1974 parliament.
The 1979 results showed significant continuity in the regional distribution of parliamentary seats. Central Province retained the largest number of seats, though specific numbers varied as constituency boundaries had been adjusted. The Rift Valley maintained significant representation, with Kalenjin politicians occupying many seats. Luo Nyanza, Western Kenya, and other regions had representation proportional to their populations and administrative divisions.
The parliamentary composition changed in specific ways that reflected political transitions. Some Kenyatta-era figures retained their seats and continued in Parliament under Moi. Others were defeated in primary contests and were replaced by new MPs. The overall effect was a parliament that combined continuity and change.
Women remained entirely excluded from Parliament following the 1979 election. No women stood for election or were elected to Parliament. This continued the pattern from the 1974 election of an all-male parliament.
The government subsequently formed a cabinet from among the newly elected MPs and from other party figures. Moi appointed ministers and other officials who would serve in his government. Cabinet formation reflected Moi's political strategy of maintaining broad elite support while consolidating his personal power.
The distribution of seats among different ethnic groups reflected political changes under Moi. Kikuyu MPs remained numerous and retained significant parliamentary strength, but the proportion of Kikuyu representation changed slightly as MPs from other ethnic groups entered or left Parliament. This shift, while not dramatic, suggested that ethnic political dynamics were evolving under Moi's leadership.
Urban constituencies elected MPs who were often professionals or businessmen. Urban constituencies remained competitive in primary contests, and the MPs elected represented diverse professional backgrounds. Nairobi and Mombasa returned urban professionals to Parliament.
Rural constituencies elected MPs who often had strong local roots and who represented rural development interests. The rural MPs' focus on bringing development projects to their constituencies reflected the continued importance of Harambee-style local development in electoral politics.
The 1979 results were presented by the government as a mandate for Moi's leadership and for the Nyayo philosophy. The fact that the elections had taken place and that voters had exercised a choice (even if limited to KANU candidates) was cited as evidence of democratic participation within the one-party framework.
See Also
- 1979 Election
- Parliament of Kenya
- KANU Party
- 1974 Election Results
- Kenya Political System 1978-1991
- Daniel arap Moi
Sources
- Barkan, Joel. "The Electoral Process in Kenya." African Studies Review, 1976.
- Widner, Jennifer. The Rise of a Party-State in Kenya. University of California Press, 1992.
- Hornsby, Charles. Kenya: A History Since Independence. I.B. Tauris, 2012.