Final answer:
East Africa's natural resources are underdeveloped mainly due to political instability, coupled with factors like infrastructural inadequacies and high investment costs. Historical colonial legacies and continued governance issues have created an environment where resource development is challenging.
Step-by-step explanation:
The underdevelopment of East Africa's natural resources can primarily be attributed to B) Political instability, which has significantly impacted the region's ability to develop its rich natural resources. Factors such as inaccessible resources, inadequate transportation systems, and high costs of investment are also contributing factors, but political instability has been the key hindrance.
Historical issues, such as colonial legacies, conflicts over land ownership, and the exploitation of resources, have led to long-term challenges in establishing stable governments. The region sees frequent political conflicts and cultural clashes that undermine the security necessary for economic development. Furthermore, the lack of infrastructure, such as transportation systems and reliable electricity, compounds the difficulty of resource development. These factors, along with global pressures and the high cost of investment in troubled regions, constrict the region's economic progress and hinder the proper utilization and development of its natural resources.