African Interest

Brief Summary THE MIND OF THE AFRICAN STRONGMAN: Conversations with Dictators, Statesmen, and Father Figures. With The Mind of the African Strongman, Herman J. Cohen, career ambassador and former Assistant Secretary of State, takes a look at what has helped and what has hindered economic development and democracy in Africa since the end of colonialism. Despite access to vast natural resources and decades of international development aid, why have so many African countries failed to keep the promises made to their people? With wit and a sharp analytical eye, Ambassador Cohen reflects on nearly four decades of work throughout the continent, sharing stories of his personal encounters with some of Africa's most legendary leaders. From Nelson Mandela to Muammar Gaddafi, Cohen gives readers a never-before-seen look at the men who defined modern Africa, as well as a behind-the-scenes account of dealing with U.S. Presidents, Secretaries of State, and other key leaders shaping U.S. foreign policy toward Africa in the the post-colonial / Cold War era. Ambassador Cohen's historical analysis shows how today's African leaders can fulfill the continent's economic and democratic potential. ISBN:9780986435300 Author:Herman J Cohen

Brief Summary Daniel arap Moi served as the third Vice President Kenya, taking over as President in 1978 despite concerted efforts from a group of Government officials and politicians determined to ensure he did not become President. Few people know that at one point, as the opposition towards him turned to harassment, the VP drafted a letter of resignation. But before handing it in, he went to see his boss, President Jomo Kenyatta to share his tribulations. According to Andrew Morton, author of Moi’s biography, The Making of an African Statesman, Kenyatta asked him, "Who is in charge of the police?” At the time, Moi was also the Minister for Home Affairs, so the police force fell under his docket. In essence, the President was instructing him to deal decisively with the matter. Had Moi resigned, Kenya’s history would have been drastically different. Once he took over as President, Moi promised continuity in the footsteps of Kenyatta under the new clarion call, "Fuata Nyayo”. The new focus was a blend of three things: sound ethnic footing and clout, unquestionable loyalty to the ruling party, KANU, and well-defined old ties either in Government service or shared religious and political values. In a bid to understand Moi and how he picked, related with and managed his Cabinet, the publication relates real-life anecdotes, some of which have not been told before. Take the case, in the late 1990s, of Kipkalya Kones, a Minister in the Office of the President. Kones was convinced Moi was about to fire him on the basis of rumours that the President was holding regular meetings with his main rival in Kipsigis politics, John Koech, who he had replaced in the Cabinet. To avoid the humiliation of being fired, Kones surrendered his ministerial flag and official limousine at the Mau Summit General Service Unit post located on the Nakuru-Eldoret highway. Although it is not clear exactly what transpired, Kones left neither the flag nor the official car at the station. ISBN:MoiCabinets001 Author:The Kenya Year Book

Brief Summary The Political Economy of Africa addresses the real possibilities for African development in the coming decades when seen in the light of the continent’s economic performance over the last half-century. This involves an effort to emancipate our thinking from the grip of western economic models that have often ignored Africa’s diversity in their rush to peddle simple nostrums of dubious merit. The book addresses the seemingly intractable economic problems of the African continent, and traces their origins. It also brings out the instances of successful economic change, and the possibilities for economic revival and renewal. As well as surveying the variety of contemporary situations, the text will provide readers with a firm grasp of the historical background to the topic. It explores issues such as: employment and poverty social policy and security structural adjustment programs and neo-liberal globalization majority rule and democratization taxation and resource mobilization. It contains a selection of country specific case studies from a range of international contributors, many of whom have lived and worked in Africa. The book will be of particular interest to higher level students in political economy, development studies, area studies (Africa) and economics in general. ISBN:9781136989063 Author:Vishnu Padayachee

Brief Summary The History and Culture of Abakhero People of Western Kenya ISBN:AbakheroPeople001 Author:Chrispinus Odhiambo Mukhule