This book applies an interdisciplinary approach to evaluate the journey that Kenya has traveled as a nation since the end of colonialism on December 12, 1963. The book demonstrates that Kenya's postcolonial experience is marked with moments of tremendous feats amidst economic and political challenges that have on occasion strained the national fabric. While Kenya has distinguished itself as a commerce and industry hub in East Africa, the country is confronted with many challenges including job scarcity, ethnic differences nurtured by the political class, and widespread corruption.

Autorentext

Michael Mwenda Kithinji is an Assistant Professor of History and the interim director of the African and African-American Studies program at the University of Central Arkansas, USA. He is a recipient of the Ohio Academy of History 2011 Outstanding Dissertation Award.

Mickie Mwanzia Koster is an Assistant Professor of History at the University of Texas, USA. She is the recipient of the 2015 Junior Scholar Excellence Award in African Studies. She is the author of The Power of the Oath: Mau Mau Nationalism in Kenya, 1952-1960 and the co-editor of Hip Hop and Social Change in Africa: Ni Wakati.

Jerono P. Rotich is a Professor at North Carolina A&T State University, USA. Her scholarship record includes, one co-edited book, peer reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and proceedings. Her awards include; UNCG Board of Governors Teaching Excellence; NCAT Community Engagement scholarship and; National Phi Epsilon Kappa Society, Distinguished Advisor Award.

Zusammenfassung

This book explores the journey that Kenya has travelled as a nation since its independence on December 12, 1963. It seeks to advance understanding of the country's major milestones in the postcolonial period, the challenges and the lessons that can be learned from this experience, and the future prospects.

Inhalt
Introduction
PART I: CONTESTING HISTORY AND MEMORIES

1. The Demise and Rise of Majimbo in Independent Kenya; Robert M. Maxon
2. Recasting Kenyan History: Mau Mau Reparations, Narration, and Memory; Mickie Mwanzia Koster
3. Rethinking the 'Shifta War' Fifty Years after Independence: Myth, Memory, and Marginalization; Keren Weitzberg
4. Rendilelane: Spatial Views from the Periphery of Kenya; Hilah Segal
5. Politics and the Lack of Labor Militancy in Kenya: Trade Unionism After Independence; Eric E. Otenyo
   PART II: REASSESSING POLICIES AND POLITICS
6. The Strategic Art of Appeasing Old Lovers while Courting New Friends: Kenya's Foreign Relations in Retrospect; Mumo Nzau
7. Kenya At Fifty and the Betrayal of Nationalism: The Paradoxes of Two Family Dynasties; Wanjala S. Nasongo
8. Elusive Justice: The Maasai Contestation of Land Appropriation in Kenya: A Historical and Contemporary Perspective; Ben Ole Koissaba
9. Kenya at Fifty: State Policies Reforms, Politics and Law, 1963-2013; Wycliffe Nyachoti Otiso and Ruth Joyce Kaguta
10. Continuity and Change in Kenya's Defense and Foreign Policy: The Impact of the New Security Dilemma; Oscar Gakuo Mwangi