The Value of Democracy: Evidence from Road Building in Kenya

Edward Miguel, Padró i Miquel, Gerard, Ameet Morjaria and Remi Jedwab
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Robin Burgess

No 9627, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: Ethnic favoritism is seen as antithetical to development. This paper provides credible quantification of the extent of ethnic favoritism using data on road building in Kenyan districts across the 1963-2011 period. Guided by a model it then examines whether the transition in and out of democracy under the same president constrains or exacerbates ethnic favoritism. Across the 1963 to 2011 period, we find strong evidence of ethnic favoritism: districts that share the ethnicity of the president receive twice as much expenditure on roads and have four times the length of paved roads built. This favoritism disappears during periods of democracy.

JEL-codes: D72 L92 O55 R48 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013-09
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-afr, nep-cdm, nep-dem, nep-his, nep-pol and nep-tre
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (18)

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Related works:
Journal Article: The Value of Democracy: Evidence from Road Building in Kenya (2015)
Working Paper: The Value of Democracy: Evidence from Road Building in Kenya (2015)
Working Paper: The value of democracy: evidence from road building in Kenya (2015)
Working Paper: The Value of Democracy: Evidence from Road Building in Kenya (2013)
Working Paper: The Value of Democracy: Evidence from Road Building in Kenya (2013)
Working Paper: The Value of Democracy: Evidence from Road Building in Kenya (2013)
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