Kenya's Foreign policy in a changing world: themes, fora and prospects

Abstract

This project examines Kenya's foreign policy in the light of the changing international system. The premise of the study is that Kenya's foreign policy has changed in terms of themes and for a due to the changes in the international system.

At independence Kenya practiced quiet diplomacy characterized by a low profile approach to international affairs. During President Moi's era foreign policy was marked by active involvement in regional peace diplomacy. In the era of President Kibaki, Kenya's foreign has undergone a significant shift both in themes and fora. According to the draft foreign policy document, Kenya's foreign policy is now based on three interlinked pillars: Economic diplomacy, Peace diplomacy and Environmental diplomacy. Kenya's foreign policy is now informed by the necessity to secure the regional and wider economic objectives. Kenya now focuses on strengthening regional organizations particularly the EAC. Kenya has already put in place a Look East strategy as a means of reducing their dependence on traditional Western markets.

The study establishes that the forum for pursuing Kenya's foreign policy has also changed significantly to reflect changes in the international system. One of the factors that have influenced the change in fora of implementing Kenya's foreign policy is the growth in multilateralism. In addition to the traditional organizations such as the United Nations, Non­ aligned Movement (NAM) and African Union (AU), Kenya now has been actively involved in engaging other countries at a multilateral forum such as China under Forum on Africa China Corporation (FOCAC), Japan under Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (nCAD) and other Asia countries under New Asia - Africa Strategic Partnership (NAASP). The rise of dynamic economies of Asia especially China and India provides new opportunities for Kenya and other African countries to develop new Asia - Africa ties. The new regional initiatives from the countries in Asia avails opportunities for increased cooperation at the multilateral fora for Kenya and other African countries. They also provide an opportunity to negotiate for increased market access, trade facilitation and promotion of foreign direct investment.