Since independence, Kenya has maintained remarkable stability despite changes in its political system and crises in neighboring countries. Particularly since the re-emergence of multiparty democracy in 1992, Kenyans have enjoyed an increased degree of freedom.
After independence, Kenya saw rapid economic growth. However, between 1974 and 1990, Kenya's economic performance declined and the government began a massive intrusion in the private sector. From 1991 to 1993, Kenya had its worst economic performance since independence. Growth in GDP stagnated and agricultural production shrank. Inflation reached a record 100% and the government's budget deficit was over 10% of GDP. In 1993, the Government of Kenya began a major program of economic reform and liberalization. Over the past three years, Kenya's real GDP growth rate has averaged just over 4% growth each year, but there is still a great distance to travel on the road to recovery.
Despite internal tensions in Sudan and Ethiopia, Kenya has maintained good relations with its northern neighbors. Recent relations with Uganda and Tanzania have improved as the three countries work for mutual economic benefit. The lack of a cohesive government in Somalia prevents normal contact with that country. Kenya serves as the major host for refugees from turmoil in Somalia.
Kenya maintains a moderate profile in Third World politics. Kenya's relations with Western countries are generally friendly, although current political and economic instabilities are often blamed on Western pressures.
Demographic Data
Capital: Nairobi
Government type: Democracy
Government stability: 78.6%
Government efficiency: 48.5%
Population's support to government: 79.1%
Area: 569,250 square kilometers
Habitable land: 15.0%
Farmable land: 3.0%
Total population: 28,817 thousands
Population's growth: 1.0%
Country's development level: 4,730
Economic Data
GNP: 33,100,000,000
Industralisation: 27.7%
International funding: 82,000,000
Political Data
Secret services efficiency: 3,236
Military Data
Technological generation: 1
Number of rebels: 4,034
Rebels development: 4,257
Rebels technological access: 3,310