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Kenya serves as a hub for trade and financial transactions in East Africa, which means that it has traditionally escaped the severe economic stress endured by many of its fellow African nations. Kenya does not, however, enjoy the rich resources of some of those same nations who have suffered due to their inability to turn their riches into political, social, and economic stability. Kenya's economy is fueled by trade in small, low-priced goods, which keeps the economy from growing at an ideal rate. As a result, Kenya has been hampered by rampant corruption that further hinders economic growth. In 1997, for example, the IMF suspended aid to Kenya because of the Kenyan government's inability to successfully control corruption and keep the country moving forward. Following severe drought -- which wracked the entire East African area from 1999 to 2000 -- Kenya struggled to keep its GDP healthy and growing. In 2002 Kenya proved its ability to hold peaceful, fair elections and since 2003 the country has made progress in terms of rooting out political corruption. In this photo one of the country's many microfinance recipients tends to her recently acquired flock of chickens.
Photo Credit: USAID
Sources: CIA World Fact Book, www.migrationinformation.org
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