THE ROLE OF NON-STATE ACTORS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS; A CASE STUDY OF THE RED CROSS SOCIETY OF KENYA ,

Abstract

Diplomacy is becoming a critical government function in the 21st century owing to globalization and interdependence of nations in political, social and economic development. Further many non-state actors have come into existence in diplomacy thus it no longer a function of national government alone. Nongovernmental organizations present a bigger proportion of non-state actors. So as to manage its relations appropriately, it is important for the government to understand non-state actor’s international relations role and activities. Study sought to assess role of non-state actors in international relations: a case study of the Red Cross Society of Kenya. The study population comprised all the 120 employees of the Kenya Red Cross working in the headquarters in Nairobi. Because of the number of employees was small and manageable for the researcher, a census of all the 120 employees was conducted. Employees in the top, middle and lower level of management were involved in the study. Primary data was gathered utilizing questionnaires prepared by researcher. In analyzing the data, first descriptive statistics were obtained for all objectives which included the mean, standard deviation, frequencies and percentages. Relationship between independent and dependent variables was then computed using a regression analysis. Data was then presented in tables and charts for easy interpretation. The findings showed that the advocacy, monitoring and watchdog, expert advice and information gathering and dissemination roles of the Red Cross Society of Kenya had a positive and significant influence on international relations in Kenya. It was also found that the advocacy role of the society had the greatest effect on Kenyan international relations. The study also showed that the level of government regulation in the operations of the society also influenced the extent to which the range of activities of the society affected international relations in Kenya. It was also concluded that if the society was to increase its influence of the country’s relations with the International Community, more effort needed to be directed towards monitoring and advocacy as well as information gathering and dissemination activities where there was room for greater improvement. The study also concluded that Kenya’s relations with the International Community could be described as good and that it was possible to increase this rating by ensuring peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding, and trust as well as trade relations with other countries.