This text examines the state and voluntary organizations in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, at a time when privatization of services is part of structural adjustment programmes in most African countries. The contributors argue that market-oriented prescriptions pay little attention to three important features of service provision in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. One is that the provision of services for most of the population depends on collective action by the state, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and People"s Organizations (POs). The second is that the links between the voluntary sector and the state are becoming more - not less - important for service provisions. The third feature of service provision is the growing importance of foreign aid. Not only is foreign assistance a major reason for the growth of the voluntary sector, but, it is suggested, aid has also made it possible for the state to maintain - and lately increase - its role in service provision.