After Kenyan officials visited the Korean Chamber of Commerce & Industry earlier this month, a new plan was brewing in the minds of them. The economic model in which Kenya proclaimed it will follow was created by South Korea in the 1970's called the Saemaul Undong model. Kenya is experiencing economic hardships in the way that Korea had in the past and it believes that if followed, Kenya can also experience the rapid growth that Korea currently boasts.
The Saemaul Undong in previous times was considered the "New Mind Movement" because it required society to act as one unit to achieve the goal that would help the nation overcome poverty. This movement focused on developing a modern agricultural sector that could increase its output and push up the income of the impoverished rural areas. Yet, there was also growth seen in other industries in the Seoul and Busan at the same time as well as a result.
President Kabaki, praised the model, ""The government recognizes the unique role young people play in society," he said in his keynote speech. "We will continue to empower them to play an active role."The government recognizes the unique role young people play in society. We will continue to empower them to play an active role." He informed that the first change in Kenya will mimic South Korea's past by emphasizing the importance of education and putting more government funds towards it.
It seems that Kenya could be on its way to economic development thanks to the guidance of South Korea.
