In his final weeks as president, Uhuru Kenyatta has been busier than usual playing peacemaker in East Africa, thawing tensions with Somalia, intervening in Congo's crisis, and hosting talks between Sudan and Ethiopia.
His enthusiasm for statesmanship has not gone unrecognised -- Kenya's departing leader was recently awarded the national order of Burundi, and gifted a resplendent sash from fellow presidents for his regional diplomacy.
Diplomats and foreign observers say a peaceful transfer of power remains uncertain, and that Kenya's coveted reputation as a reliable and stable partner faces a keen test as voters head to polling booths. "Weak states, feuding states, can't play the role of a diplomatic anchor," said Cameron Hudson, a former US official now senior associate at CSIS Africa.
The rebels from the northern Tigray region said in July that any potential ceasefire talks must be mediated by Kenyatta -- not the African Union, which is headquartered in Addis Ababa. Ruto and Odinga flew to London and Washington earlier this year to assure policymakers that Nairobi would continue to play a pivotal role in the region."But it will not be a priority," said Macharia Munene, professor of history and international relations at the United States International University in Nairobi.
East Africa's largest economy is saddled with debt and the next administration could be pressured by international lenders to slash populist subsidies despite having promised to bring down prices.
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