Colonization in Africa

The two things I researched were Dream and Reality: Political and Economic Conditions in Independent Africa and the second was Kenya. The program of the OAU called for an Africa based on freedom, equality, justice, and dignity. Soon after this was written reality set in. Vast disparities in education, income, and unemployment made it hard to truly establish democracy. The concept of "one person, one vote" was an immediate disappointment. And after many African countries gained their independence more than 70 were overthrown by violence. Kenya welcomed foreign investment and the idea of capitalism. With capitalism came it's own dilemmas. Although a substantial middle class was forming their were still many economic problems. Around one-fifth of the country's thirty million were squatters. And around forty-five percent were unemployed. In addition the population was increasing by three percent per year: one of the highest percentages in the world. The country wasn't helping it's own cause seeing that disputes between ethnic groups persisted. When looking at the current stats Kenya is doing medium to good compared to other African countries. Their population continues to grow and in 2005 34,256,000 people lived in Kenya. One stunning statistic is the fact that 84%% of adults are literate. The gross national income is still quite low, however it is far superior than other countries. I believe that since Kenya incorporated a capitalistic economy they were able to truly develop as an independent country.