KENYA

A.These years (1963-1978?) saw consolidation of power into hands of single party (KANU), but more accurately largely in the hands of the President and his close circle.  For many years Kenya was de jure a multiparty democracy, but de facto a single-party autocracy under KANU.

B.The Kikuyu areas were favored economically; these are coffee and tea areas (among other crops) at which Kenya does well (has a comparative advantage). 

C.Kenyatta's falling out with Luo areas (South Nyanza) meant those areas remained underdeveloped, as did the Swahili coast (although there is a lot of tourism development on that coast, with ownership of the big hotels being largely in the hands of overseas corporations or in the hands of the upcountry elite).

D.Corruption is moderate by African standards, human rights record is not too bad (although Ngugi and some others were imprisoned for a time)

["Kenya is full of greedy people who are holding high positions and this is why our people are dying of poverty.".----- MP Simeon Nyachae]

E.There was much stress on Harambee, "self-help," -- though in later years it became more corrupt.  Harambee projects meant to be self-help become a kind of tax on local people, showcases for politicians who squeeze subordinates for money they then donate in their own names.

F."Tribal" tensions remain moderately high – largely Luo vs Kikuyu, although with other groups feeling slighted by the Kikuyu dominance as well.