ABSTRACT
This chapter examines one approach to organizing the rural poor in the context of local-level development in Kenya. It focuses on self-help community projects and autonomous self-help organizations which are a tradition in parts of Kenya and are being encouraged and supported by the government. If local organizations constitute a critical ingredient in the development process, it is necessary to build their capacity to anticipate and influence change, solve problems, implement decisions and act effectively within their environment. Understanding the impact of Western imperialism and capitalism on Kenya is critical. Many Kenyans believe that Harambee self-help has contributed significantly to national development. The method of analysis incorporates both a transnational and an intra-societal focus. Although analysis focuses primarily on empirical data in the post-independence period, interpretation of that data depends in part upon the historical materials and the evidence. Political interpretations of Harambee self-help since independence are important.
