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Kenya: Between Hope and Despair, 1963-2011
An illuminating account of Kenya's first fifty years of independence and the issues that block the nation's path to prosperity and justice
On December 12, 1963, people across Kenya joyfully celebrated independence from British colonial rule, anticipating a bright future of prosperity and social justice. As the nation approaches the fiftieth anniversary of its independence, however, the people's dream remains elusive. During its first five decades Kenya has experienced assassinations, riots, coup attempts, ethnic violence, and political corruption. The ranks of the disaffected, the unemployed, and the poor have multiplied. In this authoritative and insightful account of Kenya's history from 1963 to the present day, Daniel Branch sheds new light on the nation's struggles and the complicated causes behind them. Branch describes how Kenya constructed itself as a state and how ethnicity has proved a powerful force in national politics from the start, as have disorder and violence. He explores such divisive political issues as the needs of the landless poor, international relations with Britain and with the Cold War superpowers, and the direction of economic development. Tracing an escalation of government corruption over time, the author brings his discussion to the present, paying particular attention to the rigged election of 2007, the subsequent compromise government, and Kenya's prospects as a still-evolving independent state.
On December 12, 1963, people across Kenya joyfully celebrated independence from British colonial rule, anticipating a bright future of prosperity and social justice. As the nation approaches the fiftieth anniversary of its independence, however, the people's dream remains elusive. During its first five decades Kenya has experienced assassinations, riots, coup attempts, ethnic violence, and political corruption. The ranks of the disaffected, the unemployed, and the poor have multiplied. In this authoritative and insightful account of Kenya's history from 1963 to the present day, Daniel Branch sheds new light on the nation's struggles and the complicated causes behind them. Branch describes how Kenya constructed itself as a state and how ethnicity has proved a powerful force in national politics from the start, as have disorder and violence. He explores such divisive political issues as the needs of the landless poor, international relations with Britain and with the Cold War superpowers, and the direction of economic development. Tracing an escalation of government corruption over time, the author brings his discussion to the present, paying particular attention to the rigged election of 2007, the subsequent compromise government, and Kenya's prospects as a still-evolving independent state.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2011
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183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 28, 2024
Great read, Daniel Branch has an interesting perspective on Kenya and rightly focus on the actions of the political elite to form a big picture overview. He's narrative though is very pessimistic, leaning more towards despair than hope. Otherwise a lot of stuff mentioned in the book is factual. Would have been nice if he had found a way of including the individual thoughts of some of the political elite, probably would have shed more light on the nuances and complexities surrounding their various roles and decisions.
December 11, 2020
History of Kenyan Independence through 2011. Good (but dry) discussion of the political intrigues and elections since independence and how domestic concerns impacted various politicians' drive to stay in power. I wished there was more discussion of foreign policy or relationships with neighboring countries and the impact of their civil wars impacted Kenya.
January 22, 2025
If you want to understand Kenya, you need to look at the blood of her people that has been shed, may it be from (political) assassinations to violence instigated to keep politicians in power. This is he underlying message in Kenya: Between Hope and Despair, 1963-2011 by Daniel Branch. The book offers an unsurprisingly (because it has not been banned) comprehensive and insightful analysis of Kenya's political and social landscape since independence. The book delves into the pervasive issues of corruption, broken systems, and criminality within the government, painting a vivid picture of the challenges that have hindered the nation's progress.
The author traces the roots of corruption in Kenya, highlighting how it has become deeply entrenched in the political fabric of the country and governance. Since “independence”, corruption has been an enduring obstacle to development, with political leaders exploiting their positions for personal gain, beneficiaries of politics of patronage. However, this emanates from the colonial legacy that left behind weak institutions that were ill-equipped to handle the demands of a newly independent nation. Over the years, these systems have failed to evolve, resulting in inefficiencies and a lack of effective governance. The failure to address these systemic issues has perpetuated a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.
Of all sins of Kenya, criminality within the government rules supreme. Political violence, assassinations, and ethnic clashes have been used as tools to maintain power and control, all the way from 1992 through the 2007-2008 post-election violence, something that has become a dread every electoral cycle. Political leaders (shamelessly) hire goons, finance their activities, even protect them using the law, only to turn against them (the goons) once they achieve their political goals. The alarming discovery is that the 2006 Standard Group and KTN offices raid by hooded gunmen, later discovered to have been commanded by Armenian mercenaries, was actually a government operation, using mercenaries who were granted the highest security clearance, to erase the evidence of the First Family’s involvement in Angloleasing and poaching and drug trafficking business. No wonder one judicial officer claimed that Kenya is a bandit economy. How would it not be if the CEO of the country is the Boss of these criminalities?
Overall, "Kenya: Between Hope and Despair, 1963-2011" offers a sobering analysis of the challenges facing Kenya. Daniel Branch's work serves as a reminder of the urgent need for reforms to address corruption, strengthen institutions, and promote accountability. The book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of Kenya's political landscape and the factors that have shaped its journey from hope to despair, and now deplorable and collapsing.
The author traces the roots of corruption in Kenya, highlighting how it has become deeply entrenched in the political fabric of the country and governance. Since “independence”, corruption has been an enduring obstacle to development, with political leaders exploiting their positions for personal gain, beneficiaries of politics of patronage. However, this emanates from the colonial legacy that left behind weak institutions that were ill-equipped to handle the demands of a newly independent nation. Over the years, these systems have failed to evolve, resulting in inefficiencies and a lack of effective governance. The failure to address these systemic issues has perpetuated a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.
Of all sins of Kenya, criminality within the government rules supreme. Political violence, assassinations, and ethnic clashes have been used as tools to maintain power and control, all the way from 1992 through the 2007-2008 post-election violence, something that has become a dread every electoral cycle. Political leaders (shamelessly) hire goons, finance their activities, even protect them using the law, only to turn against them (the goons) once they achieve their political goals. The alarming discovery is that the 2006 Standard Group and KTN offices raid by hooded gunmen, later discovered to have been commanded by Armenian mercenaries, was actually a government operation, using mercenaries who were granted the highest security clearance, to erase the evidence of the First Family’s involvement in Angloleasing and poaching and drug trafficking business. No wonder one judicial officer claimed that Kenya is a bandit economy. How would it not be if the CEO of the country is the Boss of these criminalities?
Overall, "Kenya: Between Hope and Despair, 1963-2011" offers a sobering analysis of the challenges facing Kenya. Daniel Branch's work serves as a reminder of the urgent need for reforms to address corruption, strengthen institutions, and promote accountability. The book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of Kenya's political landscape and the factors that have shaped its journey from hope to despair, and now deplorable and collapsing.
May 21, 2017
Another beautiful and haunted land.
I lived in Kenya 1984-86 and so this book brought back many memories, both of leaders, the forgotten of a previous generation of leaders, and western scholars as well. During the time I was there we all knew the country was not a democracy, all knew we needed to be very careful about what we said. Thanks to this book, I know now the truth was even worse than we feared.
We had it pointed out to us where the screams of those tortured could be heard, we heard stories about how they did the torture. Branch fills out the context. One of my colleagues at the University was carted off by the secret police for writing pamphlets, thanks to Branch I know he served 4 years and survived it.
The subtitle seems accurate: we always saw Kenya as a glass simultaneous being filled up and draining out: a place that should prosper but wasn't. This is a political history, that is his goal. In recounting politics he has to spend more time on despair than hope. The hope us expatriates had, those of us who had fallen in love with Kenya, was based not on the "wabenzi" tribe of the elite but on the "wananchi" rank and file who were cheerful, welcoming and taught us all so many things in a country breathtakingly beautiful.
I fear that a history of Kenya written 20 years from now will have the same plot. But it shouldn't.
I lived in Kenya 1984-86 and so this book brought back many memories, both of leaders, the forgotten of a previous generation of leaders, and western scholars as well. During the time I was there we all knew the country was not a democracy, all knew we needed to be very careful about what we said. Thanks to this book, I know now the truth was even worse than we feared.
We had it pointed out to us where the screams of those tortured could be heard, we heard stories about how they did the torture. Branch fills out the context. One of my colleagues at the University was carted off by the secret police for writing pamphlets, thanks to Branch I know he served 4 years and survived it.
The subtitle seems accurate: we always saw Kenya as a glass simultaneous being filled up and draining out: a place that should prosper but wasn't. This is a political history, that is his goal. In recounting politics he has to spend more time on despair than hope. The hope us expatriates had, those of us who had fallen in love with Kenya, was based not on the "wabenzi" tribe of the elite but on the "wananchi" rank and file who were cheerful, welcoming and taught us all so many things in a country breathtakingly beautiful.
I fear that a history of Kenya written 20 years from now will have the same plot. But it shouldn't.
January 26, 2022
Branch provides a linear account of Kenya's history from independence to 2011. His accounts follow on the one part, the activities of the political elite and on the other, the impact of these activities on the social order in Kenya. His account is heavily tilted towards the fates of Odinga and Kenyatta. This is not surprising since the two families have dominated Kenya's politics since Africans were allowed into the civic public.
One profound quote from the book, however, puts the Kenyan political situation in an interesting light. Branch argues towards the end that the primary democratic outcomes that Kenyans seek are equity in access to justice, the provision of basic services and the availability of economic opportunities. This rings very true to Kenya's constitution promulgated in 2010.
Branch reflects that Kenya may not eventually grow into a nation, but with those democratic outcomes realised, it's can be a strong state where citizens from different nations (tribes) can live peacefully side by side and enjoy equal opportunities. I agree with him.
One profound quote from the book, however, puts the Kenyan political situation in an interesting light. Branch argues towards the end that the primary democratic outcomes that Kenyans seek are equity in access to justice, the provision of basic services and the availability of economic opportunities. This rings very true to Kenya's constitution promulgated in 2010.
Branch reflects that Kenya may not eventually grow into a nation, but with those democratic outcomes realised, it's can be a strong state where citizens from different nations (tribes) can live peacefully side by side and enjoy equal opportunities. I agree with him.
March 21, 2017
The book begins with the birth of Kenya, a country filled with so much hope and aspirations. The people given the mandate to lead this new young country however, failed it terribly. Because of selfish ambitions and greed that led to a race to plunder public funds and land left behind by the European settlers. Many of the injustices done to communities went unresolved and led to resentment and eventually tribalism. The politics of the elite was to divide and conquer and it has so far worked perfectly to their favor. 50 plus years after independence, the son of Jomo is the sitting president and the son our first prime minister, Raila is the opposition leader seeking to oust him from the seat. Clearly, we have barely moved as a country.
March 1, 2024
The author paints a very bleak picture of a post-colonial society that cannot shake an elite class hell-bent on dividing its subjects along ethnic lines to secure their power and privilege.
The lessons of tribal politics may prove instructive for more areas than just those on the African continent. Definitely not the most page-turning it could have been, but was a nonetheless detailed read.
The lessons of tribal politics may prove instructive for more areas than just those on the African continent. Definitely not the most page-turning it could have been, but was a nonetheless detailed read.
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June 13, 2022Captivating
I am a kenyan. This is one of the best written books on Kenyan history. It is well researched and provides vital information. Thank you. Must read for every kenyan. Its simply captivating
I am a kenyan. This is one of the best written books on Kenyan history. It is well researched and provides vital information. Thank you. Must read for every kenyan. Its simply captivating
November 11, 2017
Great read! The action came thick and fast. Yet I was left with a greater sense of despair than hope for this our fledgling democracy. To borrow from Langston Hughes, Kenya remains a dream deferred.
March 11, 2018
Great insight in kenya’s political history. Must read for anybody wanting to understand contemporary Kenya. Bit too much on the names, couldn’t keep track.
April 21, 2022
An excellent book to have a general idea about Kenyan politics since independence.
July 10, 2012
Unfortunately, although well researched and thorough, this is more a book about the political life of Kenya's elite than of the country and its people. It's a good introduction to Kenya, but it remains too much at the political level and does not delve enough into the people's hopes and how they are managing despite the elite's shortcomings.
January 2, 2014
Great introduction to and primer on Kenya's modern history, covering each of the country's five decades of existence with equal precision and insight. Any reader with the impression that Kenya has ever had the leadership it deserves will be quickly disabused of that notion.
September 27, 2012
Excellent study of contemporary post colonial Kenyan history
October 16, 2013
Tough read, this one. Pessimistic (maybe rightly so?), and overly focused on the dirty games of Kenyan politicians, omitting Kenyan society almost completely.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews