The Efficacy of Defence Diplomacy in Promoting Peace and Security in Africa: a Case Study of Kenya

Abstract

Defence diplomacy refers to the non-violent activities or undertakings carried out by security and defence institutions to further government objectives through collaboration and partnerships with other related players in the global system. Through the development of inter- State interactions, mutual trust and interdependence are further strengthened in an increasingly globalized world. Numerous techniques for resolving disputes have been employed since African States gained their independence in the 1960s. Despite significant progress in conflict management and resolution, still conflicts persist throughout Africa. The purpose of this study's thesis was to examine a different way of addressing this gap by investigating the efficacy of defence diplomacy in building partnership and cooperation in the promotion of peace and security in Africa. The study’s methodology was underpinned by mixed research approach. The target population comprised Senior Military Officers and Civilian Staff in related security Ministries, Departments and agencies. The key characteristics of the target population was such that each participant had twenty years or more of experience, was or had been employed in a decisionmaking position, had served or has more than twenty years of service, and had had higher education level degree or above. The sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula for an unknown population and a sample size of 385 was reached. However, to achieve heterogeneity aspect of the data, 44 participants of the sample were earmarked from the African functional regional security mechanisms using purposeful sampling technique. Simple random sampling technique was applied on the remaining sample population on the MDAs. Data analysis followed scientific practices including, category coding, conversation and discourse analysis, and graphical interpretations. The study found out that, there are defence diplomacy activities and undertakings that establish linkages with foreign and defence policy, while others engender States cooperation in addressing contemporary global security threats. In addition, the study established that defence diplomacy could be exploited in fostering peace and security in Africa, as the impact of Kenya’s defence diplomacy, despite not referred to as such, was found to have had an impact in the region. Notwithstanding, the study’s hypothesis were found to hold. The study recommends that the AU's Peace and Security Commission implement a common education and professional training policy to encourage cooperation and partnership between States in functioning regional security mechanisms. Additional research is needed to examine areas of shared interest in defence diplomacy that can address the foundational operationalization of non-operational regional security mechanisms. Additionally, in view of this study, Kenya’s defence policy demand’s a review to include defence diplomacy, to capture the national MDAs related to security and furthering governments national interests through defence and security collaborations and partnerships..