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Sub-Saharan Africa
In 1963 Kenya gained independence from the United Kingdom and enjoyed a long phase of economic and political stability. Under Daniel arap Moi's presidency from 1978 to 2002, however, corruption and inefficiency grew. The social, economic and political situation in the country deteriorated. In late 2002, Daniel arap Moi's party, which had ruled the country for 24 years virtually as a one-party state, was removed from power by an overwhelming majority voting in free elections.
From 2003 to 2007, a new government under President Kibaki attempted to bring the situation back under control by liberalising the economy, fighting corruption, and improving the rule of law and the provision of basic social services. Hopeful signs appeared: economic growth rates of over five per cent, progress along the road to greater democracy, and positive developments in fighting poverty such as the introduction of free primary education.
However, during the parliamentary and presidential elections in December 2007 votes were blatantly manipulated, and the violent clashes that followed claimed some 1,200 lives and led to the displacement of some 600,000 people. These events demonstrated that Kenya still faces substantial challenges on its journey towards democratic maturity. In finding a peaceful solution to the crisis, and by establishing the first grand coalition in Africa in April 2008 and adopting a new constitution in August 2010, Kenya has shown that it has the will and the ability to meet such challenges with the support of the international community. However, further reforms are needed, and their speedy and effective implementation is a prerequisite for peaceful and sustainable development in Kenya.
The peaceful settlement was facilitated by the efforts of a group of leading African figures, led by the former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan. The "National Accord" that was reached as a result of their mediation incorporated agreements not only on power-sharing and an end to violence but also on long-term measures to overcome the actual causes of the crisis.
Far-sighted action is urgently needed, for the country's problems are manifold. There is great social, economic and regional inequality. Close to 60 per cent of the population live below the national poverty line. Basic social services such as water supply and health care are not equally accessible to all citizens. The illiteracy rate is 30 per cent. Corruption and violent crime are widespread. In addition, there are ethnic tensions in this multi-ethnic country – a country with more than 40 different ethnic groups speaking more than 50 different languages.
Kenyan-German relations
Relations between Germany and Kenya have traditionally been close and good. Germany was the first country to recognise Kenya under international law after it gained independence. Thousands of Germans are permanent residents of Kenya, and many German tourists visit the country and its 59 national parks every year.
Germany is helping the Kenyan government realise its reform plans. The priority areas of Kenyan-German development cooperation are support for private-sector development in agriculture, the water sector and the health sector, with a focus on reproductive health and health funding. Germany attaches special weight to supporting good governance – especially the fight against corruption and access to the justice system – and to fostering transparent and development-oriented budget management.
German Embassy

German Embassy in Kenya
113 Riverside Drive
P.O. Box 30180
00100 Nairobi
Kenya
Phone: +254 / 20 / 4 26 21 00
Fax: +254 / 20 / 4 26 21 29






