History NOTES TOPIC 3 - FORM FOUR
History NOTES TOPIC 3 - FORM FOUR
The Factors/ Conditions which led to changes in Political, Ideological and Administrative Systems after
Independence
Explain the factors/ conditions which led to changes in political, ideological and administrative
Ideology refers to the body of beliefs or principles belonging to an individual or group which guides
political and economic system in a given nation for example socialist and capitalist ideology.
During the struggle for independence many African states had developed multiparty political system
under capitalist ideology as a system to prepare them for independence. For example in Tanganyika there
were T.A.A and T.A.N.U while in Uganda there were U.P.C. and K.Y.
Soon after independence many African states as from 1960-1970‟s most of them started change the
political ideology from multiparty under capitalist ideology to singe dominant party under socialist
ideology.
Factors for the change of political and economic ideology after independence
These factors can be divided into two means internal and external factors
Internal factors
1. Promotion of unity and solidarity among the Africans, the changes of political party from
multiparty to single party system aimed at promoting unity and solidarity among the Africans
since they were dominated by single ideology for example in K.A.N.U in Kenya, C.C.M. in
Tanzania and U.P.C. in Uganda.
2. Avoidance of political opposition from other parties, soon after independence most African
states expected to have peace and political stability for the national development so they decided
to adopt one party system in order to avoid political opposition of other parties as they thought
that having multiparty system the national development could be threatened.
3. Avoidance of civil wars among the Africans, since in multiparty system every party struggle to
dominate political power, something that cause political instabilities for it was viewed as a tool
to divide masses basing on their ethnic origin that may result into civil conflicts. For example in
Rwanda and Burundi the Tutsi fought the Hutu in for the domination of political powers.
4. To avoid the imperialist influence on local politics, since the multiparty system emerged from
imperialist nations thus most of African states after independence decided to reject it turning to
single party system as they thought that having multiparty system could enable foreign influence
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into the local politics through passing in other political opposition parties as some former
colonial power wanted to control their former colonies through opposition parties.
5. Promotion of good governance, they aimed at promoting good governance with political stability
through checking out corruption and misallocation of public funds for example in Tanzania and
Malawi.
Generally in the system of administration they aimed at eradicating the racial discrimination by upholding
African dignity in the system of administration. As after independence Africans states changed their
political ideology so as to set up a new system of administration under their own direction and control
whereby every African would be treated equally with dignity under the single party system.
External factors
1. The role of USSR, the socialist bloc played a big role to the changes of political ideology and
administrative system in most of the African states. Since many African countries adopted Marxist
ideology that based on socialist ideology resulted to the formation of single party system. For
example the leader of socialist bloc encouraged the formation of workers party.
2. Support from socialist states, many African states that adopted socialism after independence
received moral and material support from socialist states like China and Russia.
3. Bad perception towards capitalist ideology, many of the independent African states viewed
capitalism as mode of production that is based on exploitation of the recourses and masses thus
they decided to adopt socialism as it was discouraging exploitation
Most African independent states undergo changes in the political and administrative system through
adoption of the following government system
One party system, the post independence Africans allowed one political party and avoided
competing politics. The party in power dominated the government and controlled the state apparatus and
other spheres of human activities outside politics. But in 1990sone party system began to collapse
especially after the fall of USSR.
Multiparty system, after the collapse of one party system African independent states adopted
multiparty system especially during 1990s
Military rule, independent Africans after few years adopted military rule and they came under the
control of military rule for example in Egypt, Sudan and Uganda.
Parliamentary system,
Presidential system
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Factors for one (single) party system after independence.
To promote unity and solidarity among the Africans under one party system after having been disunited
on political lines by the colonialist, e.g. C.C.M in Tanzania, U.P.C in Uganda K.A.N.U in Kenya
emerged as single party. The argument in favor of one party system was that parliamentary opposition
based on multi party democracy bases upon ethnic regional interest was destructive rather than
constructive opposition.
It was introduced to eliminate political parties that showed interest to protect colonialism during the
struggles for independence e.g. U.T.P in Tanganyika allied with British leaders feared that such parties
would overthrow the government of newly independent nation.
To avoid civil wars among Africans since they were politically inexperienced immediately after
independence and multi-party politics was viewed as a tool to divide the masses basing on their ethnic
origin that in the long run may result into civil conflicts, where by every tribe or region struggling to
dominant political power. For example in Rwanda and Burundi were the ethnic Tutsi fight ethnic Hutu to
control political power.
Greedy for power among few African leaders who wanted to rule for many years without being taken out
of the post by political party.
To avoid imperialist influence on local politics, through passing in other political opposition parties.
Multi-party politics also was avoided as one of the method for not allowing foreign influence into local
politics especially the former colonial power who still wanted to control their former colonies through
third party.
To eradicate poverty, ignorance, and diseases this can be well dealt with less than one party system, thus
promoting national development by avoiding useless political rivalry of multi-party politics.
To promote good governance by checking on corruption .and misallocation of public funds, in some one-
party states such as Tanzania and Zambia, election showed that unpopular government ministers could
indeed be voted out of office. However, the awful lot depended upon the political integrity of the party
leader and his ability to control the enthusiasm of local party member. However, in some states one party
system led to abuse of state power like in Malawi, Uganda.
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3. Donor countries such as USA, British, and Germany did not support the system.
4. Economic decline in most countries with single party system in 1970s and 1980s.
5. The rise of USA as a sole super power.
a) Collapse of U.S.S.R in early 1990s, the leading communist state which used to offer both ideological and
material assistance to those countries that followed communist ideology, which called for the formation
of one party system known as vanguard party or workers party.
b) The influence of the leading capitalist nations of Europe and U.S.A, also influenced the African nations
to adopt multiparty system if there to be given aid from IMF and World Bank which USA had strong
influence.
c) The influence U.N. under her international organization of I.M.F and World Bank, which persuaded the
African Nations to change from mono-party to multi-party system.
d) The influence of mass media especially the international mass media like B.B.C, C.N.N etc which
criticized one party system as a dictatorship of socialism .This made many countries especially in Africa
to change their system.
e) Changes in national ideology. Many African countries adopted multiparty system after crossing from
socialism to capitalism, which calls for many party systems, as their national ideology.
f) Integration of European Union. In 1956 the integration of European Union also had an impact to the
African countries to adopt multiparty system as to get assistance from members of European Union.
g) Failure of one party system to bring development contributed to the rise of many party politics, to check
on corruption, nepotism, egoism, and dictatorship.
h) Increase of elites who had acquired their education in western European nations. During 1990 the elite’
people in Africa increased in number and begun to criticize the one party system, as type of dictatorship
of socialism.
i) More commonly one party politics led to an abuse of state power. In countries such as Nkrumah Ghana
Banda’s Malawi and most of the former French colonies, the one party was used to give the ruling party
dictatorial powers in suppressing any criticisms of the government thus it became more and more
unpopular among the masses especially the educated elite.
African countries adopted different political ideologies after independence. Some countries adopted
varieties of political ideologies including;
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Liberal democracy, implying that they adopted capitalism example of such
countries included Kenya, Nigeria and Ivory Coast.
Socialism, the countries that adopted socialism included Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda and
Zambia.
Afro-Marxism, the countries adopted this ideology included Somalia, Ethiopia under Mengistu,
Mozambique and Angola among other countries.
Assess critically the strengths, weaknesses and contribution of political, ideological and
Political strengths
2. Opportunities to cooperate and undertake various measures to advance the interests of the
continent this was due to the fact that African leaders were able to negotiate with western nations
more aggressively than during the colonial times when they were treated as subjects. For
example under the regional organizations in the OAU they introduced several measures to uplift
the welfare of their citizens.
3. Africans were able to collaborate with other less developed countries especially in the Non
Aligned Movements.
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Administrative system
Eradication of racial discrimination and uphold African dignity in the system of administration through
running their own government.
Ideology
1. Liberal democracy through open competition for power between different political parties ,
separation of power between the three pillars of government namely the executive, the legislature
and the judiciary
2. Pressure groups and associations like trade unions are allowed to operate without political
harassment from the government.
4. Less exploitation of workers by foreigners and the African merchants as the government
controlled provision of most basic services
Weaknesses of political, ideological and administrative changes in the newly independent African
states
1. Civil wars most African countries have experienced civil wars since independence for example
Ugandan civil war lasted from the late 1970s to 1986 when president Yowel Kaguta Museveni
took control of the country. Also in Rwanda in 1994 during the genocide which killed over
800,000 people. However currently several civil wars are still being experienced in the DRC and
Somalia.
2. Military coups d‟état have been experienced in many African countries including Nigeria,
Sudan, Libya, Ghana, Somalia, Ethiopia, Liberia, Mauritania and Guinea.
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3. Ethnic affiliation most African citizens in political appointment and voting during general
elections try to pick a person from their ethnic groups or religion as a leader in the hope that such
a leader would reciprocate by rewarding or giving them favors, this led to bitterness between
different communities, clans and religion in Africa something that resulting to civil wars
4. Neo colonialism through partnership with developed countries, for example former colonial
masters such as Britain and France continue to interfere in the political affairs of African
governments.
5. Services provision such as education, health services and other services became a great financial
burden for governments.
1. Nationalism struggle African governments were able to assist fellow African countries to acquire
political independence from colonial masters. For example the efforts had done by other African
governments in South Africa and Namibia.
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Explain the factors which led to changes in economic developmental policies and strategies After
independence many African states experienced economic problems which inherited from colonialism as
colonialist aimed at maximizing profits and minimizing costs as a result they applied different
policies that left African states with economic problem hence the changes in political, social and
economic sector was inevitable. Among of the factors that necessitated the changes of economic
development policies and strategies after independence involves the problems inherited
1. Economic crises, the colonial government left African states with economic crises due to
intensive exploitation of African resources both human resources and material resources. For
example the exportation of raw materials like agricultural materials and minerals and importing
expensive manufactured goods.
3. Economic stratification in the society, after independence there were two classes that of the
peasants who lived in rural areas living in miserable poverty as they depended on agriculture
activities which had low prices and the other class of bourgeoisie or working class lived in towns
in a good standard of leaving compared to the peasants in the rural areas. For example around
95% of the populations were rural dwellers depended on agriculture for survival and only 5% the
working class who lived in towns. Thus the need for economic changes to help the majority who
lived in miserable poverty
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4. Dependency economy, after independence most of the African states characterized by dependent
economy as they did not produce what they consume and consume what they did not produce.
For example they produced raw materials and exported it to the European nations especially to
their former colonial masters and consumed finished goods that imported from Europe.
Following this situation there was the need for economic changes.
5. Inadequate industries, African independent states experienced deindustrialization this was due to
the fact that the colonialists prepared Africa as potential market for European goods that is why
they did not industrialize Africa. Following this after independence African states started to
change the economic strategy as a result they could industrialize.
6. Cultural dependence, the independent Africans wanted to develop their national culture through
abandoning the foreign culture that was established by the colonialist before independence.
Political factors
1. Administration centralization, the colonialist left Africa with highly centralized administration
system whereby central leader had got a lot of power in the state as a result such system brought
inefficient and incompetence leaders and misdirection in administration. Hence there was a need
to change political system.
2. Existence of relationship between military structures and political administration, the military
structures was organized in the way that it was not separated from political administration this
resulted to the rise of coup de-tat for example political juntas took over the political arena
resulted to political instability and economic sabotage.
3. Tribalism among the Africans, after the independence most of African states experienced
tribalism which influenced by multiparty political system as most of the states were based on the
personal ethnic or regional origin of a particular politician, therefore this situation necessitated
political changes.
4. Foreign administration structure, after independence national planning remained in the hand of
foreigners not only that but also most of the important sector like financial and military sectors.
Whereby foreigners were involved in political issues
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The Economic Development Policies and Strategies Adopted in Africa after
Independence
Analyse the economic development policies and strategies adopted in Africa after independence
African countries after independence adopted different economic development and strategies for the aim
of accelerating economic development through heavy infusion of capital investment either private,
bilateral or both. The following are common economic strategies adopted by African countries after
independence.
3. Authority delegation soon after independence particularly in 1960s and 1970s African countries
delegated authorities from higher levels to lower levels of government especially to provinces
and districts for example Chilalu Agricultural Development Unity (CADU) in Ethiopia,
Lilongwe Land Development Program (LLDP) in Malawi, the Special Rural Development
Program (SRDP) in Kenya and Intensive Development Zones (IDZ) in Zambia.
4. Development planning this involved setting targets to be achieved within a set period usually
based on five years plan.
5. Economic blueprint facilitated donor countries to support development projects and achieving
political support from the public.
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6. Establishment of import substitution industries in different African countries in order to promote
industrialization, expand employment opportunities and build African economies through
exports.
Assess critically the strengths, weaknesses and contribution of the economic development
The strengths of the economic policies and strategies adopted in Africa after independence
2. Improvement of infrastructures soon after independence most African countries was having
inadequate and poor infrastructures like roads, railways and ports so they decided to improve
them.
5. Establishment of training institutions with the view of training African public servants in
different fields in order to take part in development of their countries.
Weaknesses of the economic policies and strategies adopted in Africa after independence
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1. Corruption and inefficiency of public servants or government officials this was due to the fact
that the new public officers were not well acquainted with administrative responsibilities. For
example in 1990s the government of Kenya lost over 5.8 billion Kenya shillings because of high
level of corruption involving senior officials in government offices. Similar incident happened in
Tanzania in 2007 where a number of senior officials were forced to resign because of high level
of corruption involving generation of electric power in the country
2. Establishment of settlement schemes in marginal lands and away from infrastructures like roads
and urban centers this hindered the implementation of agricultural strategies.
3. Emergence of a wide gap between the rich and the poor in the country particularly in the
countries that adopted capitalist ideology for example in Kenya some parts like urban centers and
Nairobi attained more economic development than other parts like the Coast Province, North
Eastern and some parts of the lift valley provinces. Not only that but also foreigners owned a lot
of wealth in the country and repatriated a lot of profits back to their own countries as the system
allowed for capital accumulation.
Contributions of the economic policies and strategies adopted in Africa after independence
1. Economic growth facilitated by adoption and implementation of various economic policies and
strategies in the country. For example agricultural production increased because of the need to
produce more cash crops for exports, industrial raw materials and food self sufficiency.
2. Establishment of new industries for processing raw materials and manufacturing goods
3. Establishment of dams for supplying hydroelectric power in the country; for example in
Tanzania dams like Mtera playing an important role of supplying hydroelectric powers in the
country
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5. Infrastructure development most African countries established and improved infrastructures in
the countries for example in Tanzania a new railway line was established that connected the
country to Zambia through the assistance of Chinese government.
6. Africanization of the economy done by both socialist and capitalist countries, helped to bring
businesses which were formally controlled by foreigners under the control of the indigenous
people.
7. Value of agricultural activities most of African governments especially in socialist countries like
Tanzania made an attempt to recognize agriculture by grouping small household farms in
villages and encouraging collective production.
After political independence many African states inherited the colonial education system which was
contrary to their local education system and their environments. As time went on African independent
states adopted the policy of educational expansion and education was considered as a human rights.
Following this the number of education institutions like schools and colleges were increased and the
system of curricular were modeled. Not only that but also all the education policies focused on re
addressing the weakness and objectives of the nation.
1. Provision of relevant education to the Africans, independent African states recognized the
weakness of the colonial education as it was irrelevant and inadequate in terms of meeting the
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needs and requirement of the newly created states. Hence they ensured the education provided was
relevant to the demands of African countries.
2. To eradicate education dependence, the African independent states aimed at eradicating the
dependence on the European powers so they decided to review the education policy so as to
make it suit the African context.
3. To eradicate tribalism and racism in Africa, this was due to the fact that the colonialists had
already planted the seeds of racism in education system as there were classes in education
following this the changes in education system after independence was necessary so as to
eradicate the racism and tribalism in Africa.
4. To promote African cultural values, this was more important since the African cultural values
were neglected by the colonialists through glorifying and practicing the white’s culture which
they viewed as superior than that of the Africans, therefore this situation necessitated the changes
in order to promote the African cultural values.
Generally the education brought by the Africans aimed at unifying people national wide, promoting
economic development, self r9eliance, social justice, equity and scientific literacy.
1. Expansion of secondary and higher education, e.g. by 1966 enrollment in higher education in
east Africa had increased almost three times.
2. Training of local staffs, the African independent focused on training the local staffs to replace the
European expatriates as they were supposed to leave the African continent free governing
themselves.
3. Provision of academic education, since during the colonialism Africans were usually provided
with vocational training due to existence of racial discrimination following this African
independent state made great efforts to acquire academic education
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soon shifted emphasis from provision of high level skills to basic education. For example in Tanzania the
government took various measures to expand primary schools especially from 1973 to 1977.
5. Provision of free education, many independent African nations provided free education to all
school age children who are supposed to be enrolled in primary education. Thus the education
was made free of charges as there was no payment of school fees and it was compulsory to all
school aged children. This was practiced for the aim of enabling access to education for all
Africans.
6. Revision of curriculum, after independence the curriculum was revised so as to ensure its
relevance to the learners. For example in Tanzania there was emphasis on the history of
Tanzania, elimination of selection process. Not only that but also teachers training and
establishment of new classrooms.
7. Introduction of education for self reliance, after independence schools were advised to put
emphasis on useful values such as equality, honest responsibility, cooperation and community
involvement rather than focusing on academics only. A good example for this is Tanzania under
socialist ideology.
8. Curriculum integration, the African schools were asked to integrate work into the curriculum as
results students/children could appreciate the value of the manual work.
9. Emphasis on adult education, since after independence there were a large number of illiterate
adults so the education institutions with the support of government emphasized on adult
education
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Development of universities in Africa. E.g. in east Africa there was Makerere University, Nairobi
University and the University of Dar es salaam.
Reduction of dependence education on outside expatriates.
Inadequate resources to meet the growing demand resulted by large enrolment in primary schools
under universal primary education (UPE). Such resources are classes, desks, laboratories, libraries, books
and teachers.
Lacks of experience on vocational courses, the academic teachers was having no experiences in
teaching practical courses like agricultural courses.
Problems in using English language in secondary and higher education as medium of instruction
this is due to the use of Kiswahili language as a medium of communication in primary schools as a result
student failed to communicate in English when they are in higher education.
Gender gap, most of African literacy were men this inherited from colonialism where girls were
left aside without enrolled in school as a result even after independence there were higher rate of illiteracy
among women than men especially in the higher levels of education.
Under development in higher educational institutions especially from 1980’s due to provision of
inadequate resources to support higher education for example lack of enough library materials and
laboratory equipment since independence.
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Unemployment, most of the university graduates was facing the problem of being unemployed
due to few employment opportunities.
Shortage of teachers, especially after independence this was due to higher enrolment of pupils
in primary schools and few teachers training colleges existed.
In fact most of Africans preferred traditional medicines offered by the traditional doctors in their
communities. This was due to the fact that imported medicines from overseas provided in a modern
hospital were very expensive t the extent that most Africans could not afford them.
After independence the dominant diseases that affected people to the large extent were bilharzias,
malaria, typhoid, polio, measles, cholera, tuberculosis.
In Tanzania health services have been provided by the government, national parastatal agencies, and
churches, local and international voluntary agencies. Government put more emphasis was to rural areas
through funds allocation as health centers and dispensaries were established.
Reduction of imbalance in the provision of health facilities between urban and rural areas
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To stop the high infant mortality rate and high maternal death rate during child birth
The Features of Health Services after Independence in Africa
Appraise the features of health services after independence in Africa The
It is based on benefiting rural areas and support for preventive rather than curative
aspects of health services
It emphasizes on the need to provide basic needs including housing, water supply and
healthcare
Allocation of more fund in the provision of health services by the government
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the provision of health services after independence
Lack of human resources, especially well trained health personnel this is due to the fact that
during colonial rule many Africans were not trained by the colonialists.
Corruption, most of the civil servants in health sector are not faithful as they had been practicing
corruption through selling of government funded medicines at a throwaway price to unscrupulous
business people something that result to suffering among the populations.
Inadequate financial resources, most of African countries experience lack of enough funds to
provide quality health services to whole country free or at low cost following this access to personnel
health care has therefore remained the privilege of a few people in society. For example rural areas are
neglected as good services are mainly available in the urban centers.
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Poor planning and lack of resources to support the provision of health services, for example poor
provision of infrastructure, clean water and transport has affected the delivery of health services.
Dependency on donor funding who provide conditions to the African countries under Structural
Adjustment Programs. For example the introduction of cost sharing policy discouraged many poor people
from seeking good medical attention.
Failure to research on local traditional medicines has led African governments to spend a lot of
resources in buying medicines from other parts of the world.
Existence of incurable diseases like HIV/AIDS, cancer and diabetes has created heavy burden to
most African countries since they require a lot of financial resources and time in caring. For example by
the end of 1980’s over six million people had been infected in the continent
Strengths of provision of health services in Africa after
independence
Expansion of health facilities like hospitals, dispensaries and health equipments has been
expanded through constructional activities and provision of health equipments.
Provision of health services in both urban and rural areas for example most hospitals were
allocated in urban centers while most of dispensaries were allocated in rural areas so as to delivery health
services to the people of urban and rural areas.
Training of African health personnel who take charge of the health sectors in the countries. For
example medical doctors, nurses and other caregivers.
Eradication of epidemic diseases that existed in Africa for a long time this was done through the
provision of vaccines for diseases like polio and measles.
Establishment of many medical training institutions for example medical training centers and
universities for training health practitioners.
Establishment of research centers I most African countries with a view to investigate causes of
certain ailments and seeking for the cure.
Adoption of alternative medicines to tackle health problems.
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Reduction of infant mortality rate.
Soon after independence most African countries inherited colonial system of water provision that was
very inadequate, disorganized and imbalanced in nature this was due to absence of government policies
focusing on national water provision.
As time went on most African countries recognized the importance of having clean, safe and reliable
water supply because provision of water is the only way of sustaining a healthy population. Following
this they started to put emphasis on water provision through establishment of different strategies, projects
and programs that ensures the provision of water supply in the country.
Analyse the objectives of the provision of water services in Africa after independence
Improvement of the provision of clean and reliable water supply to the citizens
Expansion of more land for irrigation in order to be self sufficient in food production
Uplifting standard of living of the people by providing more reliable water supply
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Weaknesses in provision of water services in Africa after
independence
Limited access of water supply, only few people accessed clean water and good sanitation in the
whole country. For example in Ghana only 32% of the population had access to clean water and good
sanitation by 2005.
Unequal distribution of clean water between urban and rural areas
Existence of natural hazards, like droughts even when there is plenty of water that could be
tapped for irrigation many farmers suffered from drought. Drought has led to the shrinking of water
resources like dams and rivers.
Lack of skilled personnel who could repair and install facilities to supply water to residents.
Lack of financial resources as a result most government do not prioritize provision of good
sanitation following this many people loose lives due to water transmitted epidemics including cholera
typhoid and dysentery.
High water charges, water firms charge high tariffs for provision of water as a result poor faced
limitations from accessing clean and safe water.
Corruption and embezzlement of some water companies workers whereby they engaging
incorruption and embezzling funds meant for water provision. For example this has been a big challenge
for the city council of Nairobi since independence.
Success and Failures in the Provision of Water Services after Independence
Evaluate success and failures in the provision of water services after independence
Establishment of water treatment plants to treat clean water and supply it to the areas with no
clean and safe water
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Building of dams for water preservation in rural areas for human being and their animals
Provision of education to the mass advising them to boil drinking water in order to avoid water
transmitted diseases like typhoid.
Licensing companies to provide clean bottled water to citizens in order to reduce drinking
unsafe water
Provision of enough accommodation spaces for the citizens and do away with slums
especially in urban centers.
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Appraise the pattern of housing distribution after independence
The best and quality houses in the continent have been in the main urban centers such as Nairobi,
Mombasa, Harare and Dar es Salaam.
Soon after independence the best houses in urban centers was owned by or inhabited by the
European and Asian communities, while most African communities occupy the poorly constructed
houses.
Expansion of slum areas in African countries, for example Kibera in Nairobi and Soweto in South
Africa slum areas has been common.
Mark of the main urban centers in the cities was skyscrapers and tall building.
Rapid growth of African population in main urban centers and in smaller towns especially among
the low income groups all over the continent soon after independence. For example in Dar es salaam
population growth rate rose by 14% between 1957 and 1967.
Urban areas was characterizing by haphazard planning while in rural areas characterized by
houses constructed using local materials.
The Steps taken to Change the Colonial Pattern of Distribution of Housing
after Independence
Assess the steps taken to change the colonial pattern of distribution of housing after
independence
Steps taken to change the colonial patterns of housing distribution in Tanzania after independence
After independence the government of Tanzania did not have a systematic policy on how to deal with the
challenges of urban growth however the following measures were taken to improve housing distribution
in Tanzania after independence.
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Control of building and land strategy so as to alleviate pressure on urban housing and community
services, through creation of new residential areas and prohibiting residential in some areas which are
densely populated.
Establishment of National Housing Corporation (NHC) for the aim of providing housing needs
through financing. Furthermore NHC took over the management of the low cost houses which had been
put up by the local government in Dar es Salaam and put up new houses after clearing part of the squatter
settlement in the capital city.
Control of land allocation in the country by the government, especially those freehold lands
reverted to government ownership and previous owner were expected to pay rent to the government.
Conditions on development of land in urban areas were laid down to all. However priority on plot
allocation, site and services schemes was given to low income areas in the urban centers.
Decentralization of the number of functions with the aim of locating new industries away from
capital cities like Dar es Salaam. Also minimization of resource allocation to urban development for the
sake of spreading benefits to all classes.
To stimulate development by relocating the capital city from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma300miles
(480 km) west. This was a plan announced by the government in 1973.
To emphasize on the need of making use of low cost materials for construction purposes to
provide housing for more people rather than following international standards blindly.
Inadequate of qualified human resources, for example lack of skilled personnel like town
planners to help in planning and implementing the desired programs in most African countries. Following
this there were slow pace in the implementation of housing projects as a result 70% of low income
housing in Dar es Salaam was part of the slum clearing projects.
Ignoring the low income earners by giving the priority to the middle income earners while low
income earners getting disadvantaged at the project implementation stage.
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Inadequate financial resources, the government expected and depended much overseas funding
for the project of the housing programs. Following this most of the medium sized construction firms died
as they depended on investments in higher income residential properties.
Bias in fund allocation, more taxpayers’ money was used to fund establishment of better housing
for the middle class in society and less funds were allocated for the housing of the poor.
Lack of commitment among the government officers especially in the middle income cadres who
did not embrace some of the new policies this was due to insufficient training among the political leaders
and the government officials responsible for the implementation of the projects in the most countries.
Financial irregularities in the National Housing Corporation due to the fact that most
beneficiaries of the new housing schemes were unable to pay their rents to the NHC thereby undermining
its efficiency. For example in 1976 a number of NHC employees including the general manager were
terminated due to financial irregularities.
Unnecessary bureaucratic procedures for one to get funds for house construction as the
procedures could take several years for one to be funded this undermined the projects development.
The use of expensive and unsustainable house design and materials as a result most countries
failed to be innovative in designing house for the low income earners in the continent.
Achievements of housing distribution after independence
Reduction of inequalities in the income between the highest and the lowest income earners
through provision of reasonable houses by local authorities in different countries.
Decentralization of development for the promotion of development in other parts of the country.
For example in Tanzania decentralization was made when Dodoma became the new capital city of
Tanzania.
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Owning of homes in urban centers by the majority through sites and service schemes in Kenya
and Tanzania.
Provision of employment opportunities for Africans through establishment of new housing
schemes. For example they provided plumbing, carpentry, electrical installation and other important
services to the residents.
Provision of new investment opportunities to many people due to expansion of the housing
markets. For example the investment was made through establishment of high class hotels, tourism
centers, commodities modernization, airports and importation of luxury commodities for the benefits of
tourists from western countries.
2. ) Naval Command
4. ) Military Intelligence
Institutions
Analyse the objectives of establishing national military and national legal institutions
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To protect the country from external aggression
Assess the functions, strengths and weaknesses of national military forces and national legal
institutions
To safeguard the national security of the country from external aggression. For example Tanzania
military force took part in the military campaign against the forces of Idd Amin of Uganda in 1978.
Similarly to Kenyan military force took part in campaigns against the Shift bandits from Somalia in the
1970’s.
To preserve internal security. For example Kenya in 1978 during the attempt coup d’etat when
Kenya Army fought off some elements of the rebel Kenya Air Force who wanted to take over the
government using unlawful means.
To participate in nation-building activities for example road and bridge construction.
To provide assistance to the public during national emergencies. For example during floods,
famine, fire outbreaks and other national disasters.
To detect and fight off criminals who use water masses like the Atlantic and Indian Ocean to
commit crimes. For example the Somali pirates, narcotic runners and gunrunners as well as illegal
trawlers who steal fish and other marine resources from African states.
To participate in peace keeping missions in different parts of the world by participating in United
National, African Union and Commonwealth peacekeeping duties.
Weaknesses of national military forces in Africa after
independence
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Corruption in the running of operations for example military officers from Zimbabwe was
accused for having smuggled gold and other mineral resources during peacekeeping operations in the
Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tribalism and sectionalism
Indiscipline for example some soldiers have been accused of looting and raping civilians.
Dependence from developed countries for example some African countries depend on European
and USA countries in training and equipping their armies.
Low level of education the majority of the military personnel were not well educated in Africa for
a long time due to the fact that military career was not taken as a prestigious occupation.
Strengths of national military forces in Africa after independence
A lot of military personnel in recent years have been enrolled in institutions for higher education
and have improved their image while relating with members of the public.
Safeguarding the national security of the country from external aggression.
The national legal institutions include judiciary however; there is close coordination of different
departments in the government in making sure that the law and order are preserved without denying
anyone his or her rights in society. This can be witnessed through their different
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Functions in the country. For example when the police force and the armed forces ensure preservation of
national security and integrity the judiciary ensures the administration of justice through the court of law.
Constitution protection
To swear in senior members of government like the prime ministers and presidents
Functions of the national legal institutions
They settle disputes among individuals and between the individuals and the state.
They spell out the penalties to be meted out to offenders and the amount to be compensated to
the offended part.
They ensure citizen’s protection under the law and to sentence accordingly those who violate
the rights and freedoms of others.
They protect the national constitution by ensuring that everything in the country is done within
the constitutional provisions in each country
They safeguard national sovereignty through swearing in of senior members of government.
Strengths of the national legal institutions
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They guarantee the justice for all the parties
The legal system is flexible and embraces some of the traditional methods of conflict resolution.
For example Islamic courts are given rooms to handle cultural and religious matters in African legal
systems with a large population of Muslims.
Weaknesses of the national legal institutions
Some of them are corrupt for example in Kenya many magistrates and judges lost their jobs
in2003 following allegations of corruption.
Incompetence of some judiciary officers who fail to prioritize important issues in the legal system
and underfunding of the institutions
Interference of some senior members of the executive in the work of legal institution thereby
undermining administration of justice in the state.
Illiteracy and ignorance of the citizens hampered the efficiency in the administration justice by
legal institutions.
Dependence on other government departments like armed force and police force as they
cannot operate efficiently in the absence of support from these departments.
Lack of financial resources to hire enough officers to assist in the administration of judiciary.
Interference of cultural traditions in the operations of the legal institutions as some
communityapplies cultural methods of administration of justice, some of which contradict the official
legal institutions for example traditional forms of compensation or avenging crime among clans.
The police force
In Tanzania the national police force comprises the following departments or sections
The Regular
Firefighting Unit
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Traffic Police
Other sections include Criminal Investigation Unit, Game Reserve Unit, Field Force Unit, Anti- Narcotics
Police, Police Air Wing, Flying Squad and the General Service Unit. In Kenya there are some similar
departments like those found in Tanzania however their police comprise a unit known as the
administration police, whose work is to assist officers in the provincial administration.
Maintaining law and order by arresting and punishing the law breakers.
Regulating tariffs and arrests the offenders by checking for defective vehicles on the roads
in order to safeguard life.
Provision of assistance during national emergencies
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They take part in national projects like constructional activities of national infrastructures and
facilities.
Provision of entertainment in marking national days like Independence Day, Union Day in
Tanzania while in Kenya Jamuhuri Day and other national holidays.
They investigate and arrest international criminals such as terrorists, drug traffickers and the
notorious Somali pirates who harass water vessels playing the Indian Ocean.
Challenges/weaknesses facing the national police forces in Africa
Lack of efficient transport and communication equipment for discharging their duties
efficiently.
They have been accused of being involved in corrupt practices for example demanding from
the public and failing to do their duties according to the law.
Recruitment of people with law academic qualifications in the force
The influx of small armies in the continent as a result some of the criminals posses more
sophisticated weapons than the national police.
Poor relationship between the police officers and the citizens due to the use of harsh methods by
the police officers in their work to the citizens/public as a result public fear to pass useful information to
the police.
Terrorist disturbances to the police force for example in 1998 both the American Embassies in
Tanzania and Kenya was bombed by terrorists. Moreover, Uganda suffered a terrorists bombing attack in
July 2010.
Cyber crimes resulted from modernization of information technology whereby some criminals
use the internet to steal from banks and from innocent people not only that but also the use of cell phones
to defraud innocent members of the public.
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African continent has faced a number problem since independence that hindered development over the
years. These are social, political and economic problems.
Analyse the social, political and economic problems hindering development in Africa after
Independence
Social problems
1. Illiteracy, Africans experiencing illiteracy since some people are unable to read or write, this is
attributed by some of the cultural traditions of the people and sometimes failure of government to
provide conducive environment for schooling. For example failure to provide enough educational
facilities like school infrastructures for the communities has made it difficult for some children to
access schooling.
2. Poor living conditions, most of the Africans are poor following this the parents are unable to provide
uniforms and other school materials to facilitate the education of their children. Poverty also led some
student to drop out from school in order to work and provide to their siblings and parents.
3. Diseases, African countries since independence have been experiencing diseases both cured and
uncured resulted by environmental pollution, poor sanitation and poor hygiene, careless in eating
habits, poverty and ignorance. Examples of the serious disease that affect African people include
malaria, dysentery, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Following this most people loose lives unnecessarily
especially in the rural areas where health centers are few.
4. Religious differences some African country experienced serious religious differences that led to
religious wars and country division. For example in Nigeria and Sudan some of the Islamic groups
have advocated for the introduction of sharia or Islamic law in some parts of the country while
Christian and African traditional religions therefore this intensified conflict in such countries.
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5. Fear and insecurity, some African people are forced to flee from their homes and rendered refugees
due to several factors including electoral disputes, land and water resources conflicts. Since these
people flee from one African country to another within the continent this led to highest number of
refugees in African continent than other continent, For example in eastern Africa there are millions of
refugees from Burundi, DRC Congo, Sudan and Somalia, living in refugees camps in neighboring
countries.
Political problems
1. Tribalism in Africa attributed by different factors some of them include language differences and
colonial policy of divide and rule this contributed to political animosity and civil wars. For
example in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Ivory Coast and Uganda there are serious political
divisions, civil wars, displacement of people and death due to tribalism.
2. Regionalism in some African countries some parts of the regions have experienced faster
development than other areas hence disunity. For example in Sudan some parts of southern
experiences great poverty while northern parts is more developed, following this there has been a
very serious civil war that was that was fought from the 1980s to 2011.
3. Single party system of ruling, most of African countries until 1990s were characterized with
single party rule following this many there was problem of corruption, authoritarian and lack of
democracy. However in 1990s many African countries such as Kenya, Zambia and Mali
struggled for multiparty government.
4. Political instabilities caused by disputes over electoral outcomes, land resources and sharing of
government positions. This has hampered political unity to many African countries and resulted
to lack of economic progress, loss of life and properties and displacement of people.
5. Abortive coup attempt and overthrow of governments due to several challenges within the
country including economy mismanagement, sectionalism, corruption, nepotism, violation of
human rights and tribalism for example in Nigeria the coups against the prime minister Abubakar
Tawafa Balewa while in Uganda Idd Amin overthrew the government of Militon Obote in 1971.
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6. Neo-colonialism resulted to ideological differences among the political leaders and political
disunity which hampered unity between African countries. For example in Democratic Republic
of Congo, several political readers were unhappy because Patrice Lumumba the prime minister
adopted socialism and in Kenya the president Jomo Kenyatta adopted capitalism while his vice
president supported socialism.
NEO-COLONIALISM.
Background: Neo-Colonialism, Refers to the indirect control of the African nation by their former colonial
masters socially, politically, and economically. This came about following the attainment of flag
independence from the colonial masters. The colonial administrators took steps to ensure that the transfer of
power would not jeopardize their economic interest.
One of the methods was to prepare ground for the creation of puppet leaders by involving leaders of national
movement into colonial government. This ensured that emerging leaders were groomed to up hold the
existing exploitative relations.
Secondly the process of handing over power ensured that neo colonial relation would follow independence as
to grantee the economic interest of the former colonial master, the constitution was made and approved by
the colonialists, they made sure that the western model of political authority was followed in the independent
country, The strategic sectors were preserved to the colonial masters like Finance, and International relation.
In fact, even in those fields that African was given responsibility the colonial did not vacant.
Neo-colonialism has got four forms and it’s through these forms African countries are controlled and
exploited by their former colonial masters and other capitalist countries, like USA. In other words how
neo colonialism operates, as to meet the interest of the imperialists.
Economic form
Through controlling the World market by fixing price of African cash crops by keeping the prices low
so that African remain dependant to their aid.
To make Africa a damping place for cheap European manufactured goods, so that Africa remain dc-
industrialize, and depend on them for consumer goods.
Through giving loans and grants under World Bank and IMF to Africans with very high interest rate
and unrealistic conditions, this proves hard for African nations to pay back, that result into debt
burden.
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Sending of European ‘expatriates’ to work in African countries for interests of their countries and then
are given higher standard of living than the local people like high wages expensive accommodation,
luxurious cars, which makes all the funds given as aid to be spent to the foreigner expatriates.
Through international financial organs like IMF, W.B, IBRD, EU, GATT etc to make policies that
enable them to continue exploiting the third World countries e.g. S.A.P.
Political forms.
Through establishing relation with a ruling class and create a puppet leader, so that can be influenced
according to their interest (the imperialist).
Through political influence and ideology following the imperialist democracies like parliamentary
system election and multi party system, under the influence of UN.
Through propaganda of mass media making Africans to listen their radios like BBC, CNN, VOA, and
D.W.
Through planting and supporting puppet leaders who serve their interests e.g. Yoweri Museveni in
Uganda J. Rawlings in Ghana.
Over throwing communist oriented government and putting capitalist based government e.g. Zaire in
case of Lumumba in l96O and Ghana in case of Nkrumah
Ideological methods.
Through influence of films, books, and education syllabus where by the curriculum is developed by the
agents of colonialist that it is European based to a big extent.
Provision of scholarships to Africans to study abroad, in their countries.
Brainwashing Africans’ mind through ideological indoctrination.
Military methods.
Establishment of military bases e.g. USA has got 234 military base in 44 countries of Africa.
To provide military assistance like weapons and instructors to train African military men.
By conducting coup d’état in the case of stubborn leaders who are against their economic interests.
a) By developing self-sustainable and self-reliance economies which may reduce the problem of
dependence to the metro pole.
b) African should develop science and technology of their own, by encouraging science subjects in school
and higher institutions, research must be conducted often to come out with new ideas, instead of
depending foreign on technology.
c) African should encourage and strengthen the regional integration, which may increase their economic
power and political dominance. E.g. EAC, SADC, ECO WAS, etc.
d) African countries should diversify their economies from monoculture to both industrial and
agricultural sector, this will reduce over dependence of one sector, so that incase of the collapse of
prices of one sector should not heavily affect the national economy
e) African should socialize and nationalize productive forces to reduce individual monopolies in
economic and political power.
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f) African should form democracy, transparence accountability in public offices to reduce the danger of
corruption nepotism and embezzlement
g) To reject western interference in the political, economic and social affairs of African issues so as we
develop an independent decisions and independent mind.
h) African should reject western standards like culture dressing foods etc because they only create market
for European goods and make African damping place. This discourages the development of infant
industries in the continent.
i) Avoid civil war and conflicts that bring about economic backwardness and concentrate on political
solution to iron out internal dispute instead of applying
7. Territorial boundary disputes. Example in 2013 boundary conflict between Tanzania and Malawi(
territorial conflict of lake Nyasa)
Economic problems
2. Mismanagement of public resources for one’s benefits or for the benefits of one’s friends or
associates for personal gain or favors(corruption) for example land have been grabbed by corrupt
government officials and civil servants thus undermining the economy. This problem has been
prevalent in Nigeria, Kenya and Burundi where a high level of corruption has been reported for
many years.
Examine critically the steps taken to solve problems hindering development in Africa after
Independence
1. Introduction of multiparty, most African countries decided to introduce more than one political
party so as to provide an opportunity for citizens to compete in the political arena since this
contribute in making the government more accountable as the oppositions operate as a watchdog.
2. Constitution revision most African countries have been revised their constitution to limit the
term of the leaders to a maximum period usually two terms. Also political candidates are now
required to show proof of a good educational background in order to eliminate possibility of
having inept leaders.
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4. Countries and pre-empts refugee problems in the continents. Affirmative action has been
accepted in order to uplift women I leadership. For example Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda have
made great progress in this sphere.
6. Introduction of modern information systems such as internet and cell phones helped in boosting
economies of Africa by cutting down on unnecessary labour and by ensuring watertight security
of money and goods in both government offices and private companies. Use of cell phones also
facilitates quicker and more financial transactions.
7. Partnership with developed countries through privatization of public corporations for the aim of
promoting development especially in productive areas such as minerals and oils prospecting
8. HIV/AIDS campaigns in order to inform citizens on ways of protecting themselves and on how
to assist infected people
9. Establishment of social security fund aimed at protecting retirees and those retrenched from
work due to ill health from experiencing serious financial problems.
10. Establishment of revenue collecting bodies like Tanzania Revenue Authority, Uganda Revenue
Authority and Kenya Revenue Authority in order to strengthen economy and avoiding economic
dependency on foreign countries
Analyse the successes and failures of the steps taken to solve problems hindering development in
Africa
Corruption
Diseases
refugees
1. Multi party system has promoted democracy and government accountabilities as well as helped
to reduce abuse of powers and corruption among African political leaders within the continent.
2. Respect and adhering constitutional requirements especially in political issues like elections
3. Promotion of gender mainstreaming programs in order to allow women and girls to advance
politically, economically and socially since now day women are no longer sidelined in political
activities in Africa. For example Liberia is led by President Ellen Johnson-Sir leaf, a lady while
Tanzania’s speaker of the parliament is also a woman honorable Anne Makinda.
5Improvement of social arena through saving retirees and those retrenched from work due to ill health
from experiencing serious financial problems. For example in Kenya the National Social Security Fund
(NSSF) and the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) have both played a key role in uplifting the life
the poorer members of the society. Similar program have also been instituted in Uganda and Tanzania.
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Improvement of education system through adoption of different educational policy like Universal
Primary Education (UPE), Education for All (EFA), Primary and Secondary development programs
(SEDP & PEDP) all of these aim to fight illiteracy in the society.
African states stability through setting up of regional organizations for example Uganda is the most
important trading partner of Kenya.
Activity to do
1. Explain five common political features of the post independent African countries.
2. Give five reasons why African countries decided to adopt new economic strategies after
independence.
3. State the objectives of education in Africa after independence.
4. What are the measures adopted to improve education sector by independent African
countries
5. Mention five challenges experienced by African government
7. What are the objectives of health sector in post independent African countries?
8. Give three challenges experienced by the independent African countries in the provision of
health services.
9. State three weaknesses and strengths of the health services in Africa after independence
11. What are the measures adopted by African countries to improve the housing situation of their
people since independence?
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