Democrats have indicated President Barack Obama will show greater emphasis on Africa than his predecessor George W Bush.

In a Foreign Policy statement, the Obama administration also showed interest in ensuring stability of African countries through global security and prevention of terrorism.

The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said: "Obama administration will take ‘a bottom-up’ approach to ensuring that America remains a positive force in the world."

Early this week, Clinton was quoted as saying Obama’s foreign policy would be rooted on security, political economy, humanitarian interest and helping African nations conserve their natural resources. Sub-Saharan Africa, at the moment, faces inadequate food due to famine, poor infrastructure, and HIV and Aids.

The bottom up approach therefore means that US policy decisions might be informed by these shortcomings beyond health issues.

Clinton also indicated that more priority would be given to stopping wars in Congo, ending autocracies in Zimbabwe and human devastation in Darfur.

Clear Interest

This is an indication that the US has a clear interest in ensuring the stability of African nations in terms of preventing the spread of terror.

Ghana, which just had its second change of power in a democratic election, is already in good books with the new administration, with South Africa coming second.

Kenya probably is the most optimistic that Obama administration will help the country move out of its present challenges.

The country is going through hard times including food shortage compounded by famine in some parts.

The country is also in the verge of formulating an agenda towards a new constitution. But setbacks brought by mega corruption in Government could downplay its bilateral co-operation with the new Obama administration, considering that the new US President condemned the vice when he last visited the country.

However, the Obama’s Kogelo connection may just play favourably to the country as far as tourism is concerned.

An opinion briefing to the new administration shows that many Sub-Saharan Africans are dissatisfied with basic needs within their communities. It also shows that African countries have shown confidence in the Obama team.

Clinton’s confirmation speech gave a clear indication that that Barack Obama would place more emphasis on Africa.

In a Gallup poll, most East Africans expressed dissatisfaction with roads and public transportation with 60 per cent and 55 per cent respectively.