This research paper discusses developments in Kenya in the first 33 years after it achieved independence in 1963. Despite many problems, Kenya achieved a reasonable degree of political stability and made rapid economic progress under the one party rule of Jomo Kenyatta until his death in 1978 and for a few years thereafter. During the next decade, Kenya underwent a period of economic deterioration and growing political repression under Daniel arap Moi. In the 1990s, Kenya has suffered from a state of creeping anarchy during the waning days of Moi's rule which threatens its political viability and economic future.
Political Stability and Economic Progress (1963-1982)
After 68 years of British colonial rule, Kenya became independent in 1963 as a Republic within the British Commonwealth. Under Jomo Kenyatta, a Kenyan nationalist who had been imprisoned by the British, Prime Minister in 1963 and President 1964-1978, Kenya became reasonably stable politically. Kenyans had received some training in self-government under the British but the Economist said that "neither the government nor the white churches bothered to educate Kenya's Africans" (East Africa turning the corner S-10).
Kenyatta inherited a country in turmoil then just emerging from the Mau Mau insurrection of the 1950s. Macphee said that "the first few months . . . were a testing time for Kenyatta. He had to prove that he was not only a skillful politician, but also a leader" of an inexperienced and youthful government (172). He was faced with a rebellion on the northern border with Somalia which was settled in 1967, a mutiny of young army officers in January, 1964 which Kenyatta quelled with British help and leftist movements which were led by his Vice President, Oginga Odinga, who resigned in April, 1966. Kenyatta was a political moderate who nevertheless ruled with an iron hand. He suppressed regionalist pressures initiated by the opposition Kenyan African Democ...