Development & strategic planning; a comparative study of Kenya, South Korea and Turkey

This research seeks to examine a problematic yet critical question that continues to fascinate researchers in social science. Why are some countries rich while some are poor yet structurally, politically, demographically and geographically they have immense similarities? By looking at the historical and contemporary political, economic and planning experiences of three case study samples namely Kenya, Turkey and South Korea; the author attempts to answer the question why some countries have benefited from planning by looking at the similarities and differences in formulation, implementation and the structural environment in which the plans are implemented. This is done through empirical methods and rigorous review of government planning documents as well as academic materials related to the subject matter. In the process, the author also looks at the historical evolution of strategic and development planning in these countries, challenges faced and success achieved. SWOT concept is also examined as a key component of planning. The results show that beyond having well-documented strategies and development plans, a country needs to establish not only efficient and responsive human-made political and economic institutions that are able to formulate and implement these plans with precise accuracy.