Uhuru

Independence became a reality for Kenya on December 12, 1963. The first year of the new republic was dominated by restructuring and rebuilding. The British government funded a program of land purchases that resettled landless Africans on farms formerly owned by Europeans. Kenya became a one-party state in 1964 as KADU joined forces with KANU to form the single chambered National Assembly.

Prosperity came quickly to the developing country as it quickly caught the eye of foreign investors. Ten years after independence, the national income had doubled, tea and coffee production had increased, and education was becoming more wide-spread. Daniel Toroitich arap Moi became Vice-President in 1967 and succeeded Kenyatta as President after his death in 1978. The transition of power was seamless.

Moi identified corruption and nepotism as early priorities in his administration. He disbanded all tribal organizations in the interest of national unity. Democracy was firmly established in the new republic and Kenya avoided the upheavals of military coups and dictatorship that plagued other newly independent African countries. A brief exception to the peace occurred in 1982 when the Kenyan Air Force organized an unsuccessful coup attempt. This led to the disbanding of the entire air force and replacing in with a new unit called the '82 Air Force.

Daniel arap Moi continues to successfully lead Kenya today. In contrast to the Western party system, his style of leadership remains traditionally African-patriachal. Kenya's parliament, bureaucracy, and judiciary emulate the English model. The country enjoys a solid tourist industry and its economic outlook is much healthier than many other African nations. Kenya does face an unprecedented growth in population, however, which continues to strain the ever-expanding budget deficit. More importantly, Kenya has experienced no wars, no civil unrest, and enjoys a strong democratic ethic. No other nation on the African continent has remained as committed to maintaining democratic law and order while prioritizing education and social welfare for all citizens.

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