Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi

This paper develops a critique of the strategy of redistribution through growth' presented in the 1974-78 Development Plan in order to identify ways in which the strategy and policies could be improved for the future. The internal consistency of the strategy is examined and the adequacy of various of its key features is evaluated. Inferences are drawn about directions in which the strategy could be strengthened but it is suggested that adoption of some of these may not be politically feasible. The final sections therefore, looks at a strengthened strategy of redistribution through growth as an expression of political realities. It concludes that these realities impose considerable constraints on the feasibility of such a strategy, calling into question the possibility of adequate reforms within existing economic and political structures.