I found this article from the Economist interesting, depressing and in some respects hopeful. I wonder to what extent it also reflects reality elsewhere on the African Continent? It is pretty long, but see what you think. It is interesting to remeber that Kenya used to be the jewell of East Africa...

http://www.economist.com/world/africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9304146

- mike

Dear Mike:

Thanks for the article.

A few years ago, I worked in Denver with a female lawyer from Kenya.

It appeared from the conversations with her and after reading this article there were contrasting opinions on Kenya's plight. She blamed the U. S. for Kenya's myriad problems, especially the restrictions on farm exports from Kenya into the U. S. Whereas this article blamed Kenyan's for their tribal loyalty, corruption, lousy farming techniques and overpopulation causing the failure of the country.

Kinda reminds one of Iraq. In Kenya, racial tribes that can't work together and in Iraq, religious sects with the same disability.

Seems like a losing proposition in both places, doesn't it?

Unfortunately, because of our strategic interest, we must stay in Iraq, but what of Kenya?

Reminds me of the summer of 1985 that I worked in Jamaica, identical problems, then as now.

Sincerely,

Chris Bemis

Chris, it is hard to know what the truth is. I'm sure the "Rich World" looks after its own interests, and there are lots of trade restrictions which work to the benefit of the West. On the other hand, aid has been poured into Africa for decades, and the African countries seem to have made absolutely nothing of the opportunity. Sometimes I get the feeling it is easier to blame all the misery on the "Colonialists" - a handy excuse for a home made mess.

In any event, I found the article interesting. To what extent it represents the (or at least "a") truth, I don't know.

- mike

I worked in Kenya quite a bit from 87 up to 96.

Crime and corruption is rampant. The ruling class takes all the lucre and a heck of a lot of the aid money and stashes it in offshore banks.

I tried to export some really exquisite T-shirts to the States. People used to stop me on the street in Miami and ask me where I'd bought the one I was wearing. I intended to buy 1000 or so and distribute them to botiques around the country.

I looked into it, and by the time I would have sufficiently bribed everyone with his hand out, any chance of making a profit was gone.

That's just a microcosm of one of the many Kenyan plagues.

Sounds about right.

Dear Jetdrvr:

I am curious, with your experience in Kenya, and trying to "do business" within a corrupt regime, how do you think it will play out in the long run?

Being from Philadelphia and growing up around Reading, Pennsylvania, which used to be called "Little New York", since it was mob run for decades, I know a little about the protection racket. Of course the FBI, local police and most importantly, the people being extorted said "enough", and it seemed to end as far as I know.

So, again, what's your opinion on Kenya's plight?

For the record, I have not been to Africa, but will remedy my provincialism hopefully next year.

Sincerely,

Chris Bemis