The Jomo Kenyatta Years (1958–1978)

Book presentation and discussion of Anais Angelo's book “Power and the Presidency in Kenya: The Jomo Kenyatta Years (1958–1978)” from 5 May 2021 ---------- African presidents are an essential part of the stereotypical Western representation of African politics, controlled by a few individuals instead of institutions. This vision has its roots in a colonial perception of the African continent as dominated by emotions that leave no space for more complex politics. It has been reinforced by a literary tradition sanctifying the biographies of “great men” while demonizing more troubled political figures. Yet, it eluded an important question: Why did, upon independence, almost all African states adopt a presidential system of rule? Put differently: What are the historical origins of presidential power in postcolonial African countries? Anais Angelo seeks to answer this question in her book “Power and the Presidency in Kenya: The Jomo Kenyatta Years (1958–1978)”. In the book presentation she outlines the main findings of her research and also covers some practical aspects of her work as a historian, addressing academic as well as non-academic audiences. ---------- More details: https://bibliothek.univie.ac.at/events/014501.html

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