Kenya’s foreign policy: implementation strategies in economic Diplomacy towards the East African Community

Abstract

Economic diplomacy has in recent times become a vital component of many state’s foreign policies. This paper examines the economic diplomacy implementation strategies Kenya has used towards the EAC. The study employed sequential mixed method design for the research with interviews and questionnaires for data collection complemented by secondary sources. This study found that the pursuit of economic interests is fundamental to the economic progress of states in a globalized international economic system. Kenya has made economic diplomacy a core pillar since 2014. Kenya’s foreign policy has a pragmatic approach towards pursuit of national economic interests since 1963. This pursues a framework of pursuing robust relations with East African Community (EAC) neighbours. The region has a long history of fostering economic cooperation right from the time of the then East African Cooperation up to date. This is foundational to enhancing economic advancement in the region to overcome global economic developments occasioned by globalization and the related complex interdependencies among states. This has seen EAC states move towards deepened regional integration efforts. It also finds state visits followed by Kenyan diplomatic missions to be the most preferred strategies towards economic diplomacy. The paper makes two recommendations: the need for mechanism on collection and dissemination of information on economic diplomacy strategies by Kenya’s missions in the region; and, the need to adopt modalities on engagement of non-state actors in implementing economic diplomacy strategies.