The relevance of pan-africanism in shaping Kenya’s foreign policy today.

Abstract

A number of scholars have argued that Africa today lacks a distinct Foreign Policy orientation. Despite this assertion, it is also worth noting that during Africa’s struggle for independence, African countries adopted Pan-Africanism as an ideology that would unite the African continent as one in the fight against western imperialism. The struggle for Africa’s independence in the early 1950’s can be regarded as one of the most important eras where African countries adopted a similar policy and perhaps the only time African states demonstrated solidarity. Conversely, the concept of Pan-Africanism influenced the formation of institutions such as the African Union which acted as a platform for African States to actively engage in international relations both within and outside the African Continent. The findings indicate that Pan-Africanism is quite strong at the regional level due to the formation of regional economic blocs such as the EAC which were founded on the principles of Pan-Africanism i.e self-reliance and economic emancipation. However, national interest remains as the dominant factor in influencing Kenya’s foreign policy. The paper emphasizes on the need to create stronger ties not only at the regional level with other African countries but also with Kenyans in the Diaspora.