The Political Economy of Development in Kenya

ISBN-13: 9781441191212 / Angielski / Twarda / 2011 / 304 str.

Kempe Ronald Hope

Opis

Kenya is a country of geopolitical and economic importance in East Africa. It shares borders with unstable states such as Somalia and Sudan while being a hub for trade, communication, finance, and transportation across the region. Although relatively stable since its independence in 1963, the country still faces poverty, inequality, and corruption. In addition, the contested election of 2007 led to severe ethnic strife that tested its political stability, leading to a new constitution in 2010. This unique survey by a leading expert on the region provides a critical analysis of the socio-economic development in Kenya from a political economy perspective. It highlights Kenya's transition from being a centralized state to having a clear separation of powers and analyzes key issues such as economic growth, urbanization, corruption, and reform. The book identifies Kenya's key socio-development problems and offers solutions to improve both governance and economic performance, making it an essential resource to researchers, academics, and policy makers working on development issues and African politics.

Spis treści

List of Figures and Tables
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Preface

 

1. Economic Performance and Socio-Economic Trends
Sector  Performance
Population, Labor, and Employment
Poverty/Inequality and HIV/AIDS
External Trade
Public Finance
Savings and Investment
Conclusions

2. Urbanization and Urban Growth
Urbanization Trends
Drivers of Urbanization
Consequences of Rapid Urbanization
Managing Rapid Urbanization
Conclusions

3. The Informal Economy
The Nature of Kenya's Informal Economy
Benefits of the Informal Economy
Some Disbenefits of the Informal Economy
Conclusions

4. Corruption and Development
Why Corruption Persists: Causes
Corruption, Development and Governance: Consequences
Tackling the Corruption Epidemic: Control
Towards More Effective Control: Key Lessons and Recommendations
Conclusions

5. Decentralization and Local Governance
Local Government Structure in Kenya
Kenya's Potential Benefits from Devolved Government
Implementing Decentralization/Devolution
Conclusions

6. Public Sector Management and Reform
Public Sector Reform and Transformation
Performance Contracting as a Performance Management Tool
Conclusions

7. Sustaining Growth and Development: Some Aspects of Policy
Savings Mobilization
Private Enterprise-Led Growth and Industrialization
Infrastructure Development
Engaging the Youth: Empowerment, Education, and Employment
State Capability, Good Governance, and the Rule of Law
Conclusions

8. Bringing in the Future: Beyond 2012
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
The Justice System
Devolution
Parliament
Conclusions