The election of Barack Obama captured the imagination of many around the world, nowhere more than in Africa. And now many across the continent, and especially in Kenya, hope that Obama’s Presidency will result in concrete economic benefits. But expectations are outpacing reality and probably will for some time, if not for the duration of the Obama presidency. Once the health care debate reaches either a bill or failure, and if things reach some sort of acceptable state in Afghanistan and in Iran, maybe Obama will be able to give Kenya and elsewhere in Africa more attention. But Obama’s roots will probably not place Africa so high up on Obama’s and America’s list of priorities that small villages will reap great benefits. That is a sad reality, but it is a reality nonetheless.
