This archive report was first published on 30 August 2019.
Kenya has made significant strides in improving its Fragile States Index (FSI) ranking, moving from being one of the 'most worsened' countries in 2017 to the second most improved in 2019.
According to the FSI 2019, Kenya is ranked 25th among 178 countries, placing it in the 'alert' category alongside 21 other states. The country's improvement is attributed to its handling of public unrest, security, and political intolerance, which has been a major concern in the past.
Kenya's progress is a result of the unity pact reached by President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga in March 2018, which led to relative calm and boosted the country's status. The two leaders formed the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) with a nine-point agenda aimed at uniting Kenyans.
However, the report highlights that Kenya's fragility is still a concern due to its past as a post-conflict state over divisive elections. The country's ranking in the 'alert' category is a result of its ongoing efforts to address its fragility and improve its stability.
Other countries that have made significant improvements in the FSI ranking include Ethiopia, which has been credited with embarking on an ambitious reform agenda that has led to more political and social inclusiveness. Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been instrumental in breaking down the previous ethno-centric system that his country endured for decades.
The Fragile States Index is produced by the Fund For Peace (FFP) and highlights the normal pressures that all states experience, as well as the underlying issues that contribute to state fragility. The report emphasizes the importance of understanding and closely monitoring the conditions that contribute to fragility and being prepared to take necessary actions to deal with the underlying issues.
On the other hand, countries that are ranked in the 'very high alert' category include Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These countries are facing significant challenges, including ethnic tensions, civil wars, and complex humanitarian emergencies.
Overall, the FSI 2019 report highlights the importance of addressing fragility and improving stability in countries that are ranked in the 'alert' category, including Kenya.
