Kenya after independence

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 inexper

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ent in 1988 to .4 percent in 1992, consumer price inflation soared to an unofficial 40 to 60 percent per annum in 1992 and unemployment exceeded 30 percent (If Kenya goes 47). Kenya became increasingly dependent on foreign aid which reached $1.5 billion per annum in the 1980s, then was cut off entirely by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the United States and European countries in 1991 over Moi's human rights abuses. Moi ruled in an increasingly dictatorial fashion after an attempted coup against him by air force officers in August, 1982 failed. He was re-elected President in uncontested elections in 1983 and 1988. In 1987, the Economist said, "in the last couple of years, the toughness has turned sour" (Moi too, alas 36). Opposition parties were banned and press censorship was tightened. In 1986, the secret ballot was replaced by a "queue-voting system" (Kenya 1174). A purge of dissident officials resulted in the resignation of Kenneth Matiba, Minister of Transport and Communications, who was imprisoned. It became illegal to criticize Moi. Odinga formed an opposition party, the Forum for Restoration of Democracy (FORD), which was outlawed in 1991. Riots and tribal unrest swept the country. Kenya's Foreign Ministe

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