The Curse of Independence: Has Kenya Truly Progressed?

At first glance, you might think the era of colonization is long gone, but take a moment to look around. Kenya, once held under the grip of foreign settlers, now suffers under the control of a new breed of elites. Yes, independence was achieved in 1963—an era marked by the joyous expulsion of white settlers and the end of foreign dominance. But what did that victory cost, and more importantly, what has it truly delivered? Has Kenya moved forward, or have we simply replaced one set of settlers with another?

The Unfulfilled Promise of Independence

Independence in Kenya was supposed to mean liberation—freedom from oppression, the ability to govern ourselves, and the chance to build a prosperous nation. Yet, decades later, millions of Kenyans still find themselves stuck in the same struggles that defined the colonial era. The roads once built by the white settlers are deteriorating, crumbling under the weight of neglect. The once-proud railway system has all but disappeared, a shell of what it once was, as the country’s infrastructure remains stagnant and outdated.

Where are the new roads? The highways promised to connect the regions of Kenya—where is the modern infrastructure we were all promised? Take a drive through Central and Rift Valley, areas that were once the heart of Kenya’s agricultural economy. Today, you’ll find dirt roads, abandoned buildings, and a complete lack of progress. The white settlers may have been harsh, exploitative even, but at least they left behind something tangible. What have the so-called “black settlers” left behind? Personal fortunes, empty promises, and a broken system that continues to benefit only the elite few.

-https://www.wantamnotam.com/the-curse-of-independence-has-kenya-truly-progressed/