This paper examines the Harambee Movement and how it affected Kenya's economic development. Before 1963 Kenya was a British colony and economic development favored the colonial government. At Independence the new government tried to restructure the economy for the Kenyan people. Recognizing the lack of adequate capital and a rural development program, the movement became a means by which people could provide services for themselves. These services included schools, technical training, water supply and health facilities. Sources of data were books, articles, government publications and papers published by the Institute of Development Studies, Nairobi University. The Harambee Movement flourished in the provision of educational opportunities, clean water supply and health facilities. Problems included planning, coordinating and duplication of services.