African Politics: Neopatrimonialism, Structural Adjustment, and Corruption

AFRICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE
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African Political Science
Part I
Neopatrimonialism
This concept refers to a system of social hierarchy in which leaders utilize state resources for their gains and manipulate the general population. The term is important in understanding some aspects of African politics, such as the tendency of the leaders to personalize power, the weaknesses of the institutions, and the prevalence of Corruption. Therefore, despite its inability to explain some of the important trends in African politics, such as the differences in rule among the nations, the term helps provide insights on a common trend among most of the African states. [Englebert, Pierre, and Kevin C. Dunn. "Inside African Politics." (2013).]
Structural Adjustment Policies
Structural adjustment refers to the economic reforms that a country must meet to secure a loan from the International Monetary Fund or the World Bank. Understanding the structural adjustment policies is an essential process as it helps explain the policy framework that the African countries institute to access such loans. Ultimately, these loans determine other economy determinants, such as the high cost of living and poverty rates. [Halton, Clay. “Structural Adjustment Definition.” Investopedia. Investopedia, February 8, 2022. /terms/s/structural-adjustment.asp. ]
Features of Political Parties in Africa
One of the defining features of African politics is party pluralism. This concept first appeared towards the end of the colonial period before independence in the late 1950s and 1960s. While the people initially rejected this system, they later embraced it in the 1990s. Currently, most African countries have a series of political parties, with each one presenting different ideas. The parties are also characterized by democracy, whereby each party promises the citizens to govern democratically. Therefore, political parties in Africa are mainly characterized by party pluralism and democracy. [Carbone, Giovanni M. "Political parties and party systems in Africa: Themes and research perspectives." World Political Science 3, no. 3 (2007).]
African Peer Review Mechanism
The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) is a self-monitoring mechanism that all member states of the African Union (AU) have accepted, ensuring political, economic, and corporate governance conformity with the specific codes and standards. Understanding this framework in terms of its objectives and obligations is essential as it helps to gauge the compliance level of the various countries as a way of determining business or social relations partners. Through this entity, people receive equity in governance and have their rights protected because a violation of the standards set could amount to more dire consequences. 
Part II (Essay Question)
As a Special Consultant to the President of Kenya, it will be essential to assess and advise the president on the common economic problems, whether or not to continue engaging the international systems, and some of the solutions that the nation can explore as they continue engaging with the global system. The primary reason for the existe...