Republic of Kenya

Government
Kenya’s government has undergone multiple changes and modifications since its colonization. Kenya is considered to be a republic or a state in which power is held by the people and their elected representatives. From 1969 to 1982, Kenya considered itself a single-party state, but later in 1991 Kenya was formed into a multi-party state or a system in which multiple political parties have the ability to gain control of government separately or in partnership. Kenya’s government involves a system much like that of the United States; different offices are created to divide responsibility among a vast group of people. Some of these offices consist of the office of President, Vice President, and Attorney General, the National Assembly, Electoral Commission, Public Service, Ministries, Auditing, and Judiciary. Elections in Kenya for these positions are held every 5 years. Currently, Kenya’s presidential position is held by Mwai Kibaki. 


Economy
Kenya’s economy is market based and is the largest in East Africa. Its economy relies on agriculture and service industries related to tourism. Despite its rapid economic growth after its independence, Kenya’s high birth rates have caused its economic performance to fall well below the country's potential. In particular, from 1991 to 1993 Kenya’s economic performance had been the worst since its independence. There was virtually no growth in the GDP and inflation was recorded at an unbelievable one hundred percent. Even with the efforts of the government’s reform programs, the economy only grew by a mere 1.5% between 1997 and 2002. However, in 2010, after great efforts, the economy was recorded to have grown by 5%. However, Kenya’s economy is still in a less than suitable situation. Remittances for the country are estimated to be as high as one billion dollars. Kenya is making efforts to repair its economy. The government is designing a plan to cut down on the rate of unemployment by increasing its manufacturing base of high valued goods. 

            

Military

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The Kenya Defense Forces consists of the Kenyan Army, Kenyan Navy, and the Kenyan Air Force.  Emilio Mwai Kibaki, the current president of the Republic of Kenya, is the commander in chief of all armed forces.  The Kenyan Armed forces include about 63,000 personnel, including the army (55,000), the navy (2,500), the air force (5,000), and MOD headquarters staff (200).  In addition to the armed forces, Kenya employs up to 40,000 police and paramilitary personnel.  Although there is some corruption in the military, it has a good reputation.  It is regularly deploying peace-keeping missions around the world and generally commended for its professionalism.  Kenya also has the Kenyan National Security Intelligence Service (NSIS), similar to the CIA.  This was formed in 1998.  NSIS’s job is to gather and exploit secret information. It identifies potential threats to Kenya's political, economic and social stability. It develops opportunities and strategies to neutralize such threats. The Current NSIS boss is Maj-Gen Michael Gichangi.