Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi

Equalizing educational opportunity has become a primary stated goal of most African countries. The broad aim of this paper is to analyze what the experience of Kenya and Tanzania can tell us about the extent to which equalization of various types is possible and about the conditions which influence levels of policy achievement. Within this general aim the paper describes the dimensions of regional disparity within the two countries and compares their policies for responding to them. The main part of the paper analyzes the achievement of the two countries in reducing disparities, and attempts to identify problems associated with the implementation of policy and some of the conditions in the two countries influencing relative impact. Finally, the paper draws some conclusions from the analysis for the planning process and speculates on the possible future implications of policy in Kenya and Tanzania.