Review by Choice Review
This useful survey of recent Kenyan history includes contributions by the two editors, fellow Kenyan historians A.S. Atieno-Odhiambo, Peter Ndege, and Wunyabari Maloba, and American Robert Maxon. Following a brief prologue and introduction, the book is divided into four chronological sections: the initial struggles for political independence (1945-63), the Kenyatta era (1963-78), the first decade of the Moi regime (1978-88), and an epilogue examining the reemergence of multiparty politics from 1989-93. No single perspective marks the volume's nine chapters, though both materialist and/or postmodernist influences are common. Acknowledging the extent of struggle involved in ending colonial rule; the expansion of opportunities for (some) Africans in politics, administration, business, education, and health following political independence; and the impact of structural adjustment programs post-1978, the book nevertheless persuasively emphasizes continuity rather than change between colonial and postcolonial Kenya. It also delineates the strong neocolonial nature of the latter, not only in the realms of politics and economics but also in those of culture and ideas. The chapters are generally well written, with substantive historical detail and thoughtful and critical reflection on the complexities marking both the struggle for and first generation of Kenya's--and Africa's--independence. All levels. R. R. Atkinson University of South Carolina
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
