Week 6 Notes Kenya's Foreign Policy PDF

SPO 441 Week 6 Notes EVOLUTION OF KENYA’S FOREIGN POLICY [HIGHLIGHTS] JOMO KENYATTA ❖ Prior to achieving independence, Kenya's foreign policy was primarily challenged by the aspirations of the Somalis residing in the Northern Frontier District to align themselves with the government of...

SPO 441 Week 6 Notes EVOLUTION OF KENYA’S FOREIGN POLICY [HIGHLIGHTS] JOMO KENYATTA ❖ Prior to achieving independence, Kenya's foreign policy was primarily challenged by the aspirations of the Somalis residing in the Northern Frontier District to align themselves with the government of Somalia. Should the Somalis have succeeded in their efforts, it is likely that a domino effect would have ensued, prompting other ethnic groups to pursue secession as well. ❖ The desire of Somalis from the Northern Frontier District (NFD) to align with the Somali government extended beyond a mere concern for Kenya. The Somali administration aimed to consolidate the fragmented Somali regions into a unified entity known as Greater Somalia. Additionally, both Ethiopia and Djibouti faced the potential threat of territorial losses. ❖ What did Kenya do? The determination demonstrated by Kenya in endorsing the principles of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) regarding territorial integrity played a significant role in prompting the signing of a military agreement between Kenya and Ethiopia in 1964. The military agreement proved advantageous for Kenya, as it relied on the military strength of Ethiopia to counter the advances of Somalia and to prevent Somali secession in the northern frontier district. This partnership was particularly crucial given Kenya's strained economic relations with Uganda and Tanzania regarding the East African Cooperation. DANIEL MOI ❖ Following the collapse of the Berlin Wall, numerous Western nations began to promote democratic ideals, perceiving this as a crucial advancement towards economic and institutional liberalization within countries. At that juncture, Kenya operated under a single-party system, with the Kenya African National Union being the sole political entity that purported to represent the interests of its citizens. Nevertheless, the mounting international pressure exerted by Western powers compelled the Kenyan government to embrace multiparty politics, which  led to the repeal of Section 2A of the constitution. Kenya's acceptance of this change stemmed from its desire to maintain strong relations with Western nations, which were significant sources of foreign aid. ❖ The collapse of Siad Barre's regime rendered the nation ungovernable. This situation was significant for Kenya due to the surge of refugees entering the country. In response, Kenya established a refugee camp in Dadaab as an act of goodwill; however, it needed to brace itself for the challenges associated with this influx, particularly concerning security issues in a nation that had devolved into a failed state. Moreover, the North Eastern province internally suffered from a deficiency of essential resources to support both the local population and the refugees. This resultant void facilitated the emergence of terrorist splinter factions. ❖ The onset of ideological warfare after the Cold War was significantly marked by the rise of terrorism. Al-Qaeda aimed primarily to destabilize and pose a threat to the global interests of the United States. In this intricate scenario, Kenya, which had friendly ties with the United States, faced a devastating incident on August 7, 1998, when the US Embassy in Nairobi was attacked and bombed. Despite Kenya not being an active participant in this conflict, the nation felt obligated to collaborate with the United States and other Western countries in their fight against terrorist groups. MWAI KIBAKI ❖ A significant influence on Kenya's economic diplomacy and foreign policy has been the "Look East" initiative, which facilitated the establishment of strong ties with China in relation to development matters. ❖ The discovery of oil allowed her to leverage her economic diplomacy to persuade both Ethiopia and South Sudan of her significance, particularly regarding the Mombasa port's role in exporting oil products. ❖ A political accord was reached between Bashir's administration and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), formally known as the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Sudan People’s Liberation Front. The pivotal aspect of this agreement stipulated that subsequent to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the people of Southern Sudan would have the opportunity  to shape their political future through a referendum, deciding whether to remain part of Sudan or to pursue independence. This development held significant importance for Kenya, which was accommodating refugees in Kakuma, as peace in South Sudan was essential for alleviating the ongoing influx of refugees into the nation. The assault by Al Shabaab in Lamu in 2011 marked Kenya's engagement in Somalia as a measure of self-defense and an effort to safeguard its sovereignty. The threats posed by Al Shabaab and the piracy crisis along the Somali coastline were detrimental to Kenya’s economic interests, leading to the hijacking of vessels and a decline in tourism, particularly as Al Shabaab intensified its terrorist activities within the nation. Kenya's participation in Somalia through Operation Linda Nchi and its integration into the African Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) provided the nation with a platform to assert its influence in the region. UHURU KENYATTA ❖ Western nations opposed the candidacies of those indicted by the ICC for the highest political positions. In response, Jubilee leaders engaged in regional shuttle diplomacy to persuade neighboring leaders that the Kenyan populace ought to have the autonomy to elect their preferred representatives free from external interference. Following their electoral success, these leaders compelled Western nations to set aside their reservations and collaborate with them. ❖ In September 2013, Al-Shabaab carried out a bombing at Westgate Mall as a response to the presence of Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) troops in Somalia. WILLIAM RUTO ❖ Non-NATO ally ❖ Export of skilled and unskilled labour ❖ Visa-free policies ❖ Nomad work permits PILLARS OF KENYA’S FOREIGN POLICY Peace Diplomacy Pillar Underscores the importance of achieving peace and stability as essential prerequisites for development and prosperity (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2024). In pursuit of this objective, Kenya engages in partnerships with fellow African nations to enhance the capabilities of regional institutions (EAC, IGAD, COMESA, and AU), in terms of conflict prevention, management, and resolution. This collaborations have taken the form of deploying military and assuming leadership roles in peacekeeping operations both on the continent and internationally (Kenyan Police deployment in Haiti), as well as by developing national and regional capacities for conflict analysis and prevention (Ibid, 2024). Numerous Western governments have increasingly relied on the assistance of African peacekeepers to oversee and address conflicts in the area. President Moi, facilitated a ceasefire between the National Resistance Movement led by Museveni and the military government that overthrew Milton Obote’s regime. Kenya was instrumental in the facilitation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in Sudan, that eventually led to South Sudan seceding from Sudan and becoming independent. Kenya played a pivotal role in the Mbagathi Peace Process in Somalia, which successfully established a transitional government and set the nation on a trajectory toward peace. Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Pillar Kenya's aspiration for a tranquil and stable atmosphere is intrinsically tied to its socio- economic growth and prosperity, as well as that of the surrounding region. To achieve its regional and broader economic goals in alignment with the Kenya Vision 2030, it is essential to foster strong economic engagement (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2024). The aims of this initiative include (Ibid, 2024): ❖ Boosting capital inflows to Kenya and the East African region; ❖ Facilitating export enhancement and investment opportunities for Kenyan businesses both regionally and internationally; ❖ Positioning Kenya as a preferred hub for foreign direct investment, tourism, and conferencing;  ❖ Broaden access to established markets while identifying new opportunities for Kenyan exports; ❖ Advance technological progress by seeking out new, cost-effective, and suitable technology sources; ❖ Encourage the pursuit of alternative sources of both traditional and renewable energy; ❖ Fortify regional economic communities and organizations to act as competitive launching pads for emerging and global markets; and ❖ Advocate for fair trade practices alongside equitable bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade agreements. Recognizing Kenya's role as a continental frontrunner in globalization is crucial, as the country is actively involved in both bilateral and multilateral engagements. This is evident through its participation in several key initiatives, including the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Additionally, Kenya benefits from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), along with free trade agreements with the United Kingdom (Kenya-UK) and the European Union (Kenya-EU), as well as its involvement with the World Trade Organization (WTO) (KAM, 2024). Diaspora Diplomacy Pillar The objective of the Diaspora pillar is to leverage the varied skills, knowledge, expertise, and resources possessed by Kenyans residing overseas, while also promoting their incorporation into the national development framework (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2024). Cultural Diplomacy Pillar Kenya's cultural heritage holds immense potential that must be harnessed for the nation’s advancement. Throughout history, Kenya has consistently prioritized the acknowledgment and understanding of its culture as a foundation for dialogue. Cultural activities serve as the most effective means for a nation to articulate its identity. The aim of Kenya's cultural diplomacy is to enhance awareness of its rich cultural landscape and to foster interest in the nation’s heritage (Ibid, 2024). The goals of this initiative are as follows (Ibid, 2024): To honour and acknowledge cultural diversity and heritage;  To foster cultural exchanges and collaborative partnerships; To encourage global intercultural dialogue; To support sports and arts diplomacy by highlighting the contributions of Kenyan artists, athletes, and other sports figures; and To advocate for the recognition of Kiswahili as both a continental and global language; The establishment of these goals will serve as a foundational framework for diplomatic interactions. In addition, this framework will assist the nation in its quest to achieve a vision characterized by peace, prosperity, and global competitiveness, all while fostering sustainable development (Ibid, 2024). Environmental Diplomacy Pillar The Kenya Environmental Policy of 2013 emphasizes that the environment and natural resources are essential national assets that form the foundation of the country's sustainable development. Kenya acknowledges its significant responsibility in the sustainable management of its own natural resources, as well as those belonging to the region and the globe. Consequently, a strong focus on environmental issues is a defining characteristic of Kenya's Foreign Policy. Among the critical matters highlighted by the environmental component is the efficient execution of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (Ibid, 2024). As the birthplace of humanity and a guardian of exceptional biodiversity, Kenya is committed to fulfilling its duty to pass down the inheritance of humanity to future generations. This commitment is driven by the pressing need to address current environmental challenges such as global climate change, ozone layer depletion, pollution of air and oceans, and the degradation of resources, all exacerbated by the growing global population (Ibid, 2024). The aims of this pillar include (Ibid, 2024): ❖ Advocating for the enhancement of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme in Nairobi (UN HABITAT) to prioritize the global sustainable development agenda; ❖ Facilitating adherence to pertinent national, regional, and international environmental laws, regulations, standards, and other suitable operational protocols and guidelines;  ❖ Encouraging the incorporation of environmental management within national and regional economic sectors, such as agriculture and tourism, to mitigate detrimental effects on the environment; ❖ Supporting research initiatives as a means to foster innovation and lessen negative environmental consequences; and ❖ Fostering public discourse, raising awareness, and generating knowledge on environmental issues through national, regional, and international platforms. ACTORS IN KENYA’S FOREIGN POLICY State Actors ❖ Executive. President and Cabinet Secretaries. President signed labour bilateral agreement with Germany to allow skilled labourers to emigrate to Germany. CS Treasury signed a KSh40bn loan with China for the construction of 15 rural roads; Ministry of Environment accepting Carbon Credits in exchange for land; Scholarships, through the Ministry of Education, for Kenyans to study in countries such as China, UK, Hungary, etc.; Registration of refugees, processing of tourists and issuance of alien cards and visas done by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, etc. ❖ Ministries – Foreign affairs and Immigration [sends staff abroad where visas are processed, IDs and passports, bilateral and multilateral agreements are deliberated]; Ministry of Trade [imports and exports]; Ministry of Treasury [loans]; Ministry of Labour [work permits, export of skilled and unskilled labour]; Ministry of Environment [carbon credits, UNEP]; Ministry of Defense [BATUK, Manda Bay, intelligence sharing, acquiring ammunition and defense equipment]; Ministry of Lands (Land amendment bill), Ministry of Education [scholarships, trainings, etc] ❖ Parliament – Role of Parliament is to not only provide oversight for the Executive but also legislate. There is a committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Service that deliberates on matters Foreign Policy among other issues. A recent example showing how Parliament participates in foreign policy is when Parliament approved the deployment of Kenyan police in Haiti. Parliament also approved the deployment of KDF to DRC.  ❖ Judiciary – Blocked the deployment of police to Haiti. The courts argued that the deployment would be illegal as the National Security Council lacks the legal authority to send police outside Kenya. Non-state actors Media and Public Opinion– can sway public opinion and in turn cause changes in foreign policy. Media gagged during Gen Z protests. They stopped showing live feed of the protests. Investors [foreign ones] were losing confidence in the country. When investors lose confidence, they withdraw their money through what we call capital flight [they sell their shares, stop investing in treasury bills and bonds]. When there’s political turmoil, foreign countries that had reached advanced stages with regards to loaning Kenya money/investing, for say infrastructure development, usually put a pause on those negotiations. Business Community – Kenyan farmers producing coffee tea, fruits, vegetables, flowers, macademia nuts etc. push the government to sign bilateral and multilateral agreements that allows them to export their produce. Kenyan apparel businesses (EPZ) exporting textiles through AGOA. Safaricom and MPESA being adopted in Ethiopia required the Executive’s involvement. Telecommunications can be used for surveillance, suppressing freedom of speech, rigging of elections all of which can overtly and covertly be used to influence foreign policy. Safaricom, for example, was contracted by IEBC to provide network connectivity for electronic transmission of results and thereafter accused of electoral interference. Universities. Research collaborations and funding; exchange programs; international students studying in Kenya [student permits] Athletes – foreigners coming to Kenya under the guise of ‘athletes’ to train in Kenya. ATPU launched a crackdown on the illegal immigrants/terrorists. Ministry of Foreign Affairs will have to re-evaluate visas for people coming in as athletes. NGOs and Civil Societies – Human Rights Council seat. Kenya won despite protests from civil society (Kenya Human Rights Commission. Civil Society organizations wrote to the President of the UN Human Rights Council opposing Kenya’s membership for the 2025-2027 term. USAID recently announced that it will fund IEBC. UNDP has also in the past supported IEBC financially. Individuals -These can be former heads of state, ambassadors, senior diplomats, politicians, etc. Raila Odinga, for example, campaigning for the AU Chairperson’s  seat may advance bilateral agreements between Kenya and some of the African countries in exchange for a vote. Obasanjo, Koffi Annan, Kikwete, Ben Mkapa Terrorist groups – direct flights to Somalia had to be stopped on numerous occasions due to security fears. Opposition – An opposition that is keeping the current regime accountable can influence foreign policy. For example, an opposition that establishes a shadow cabinet to keep the government of the day in check may reveal mismanagement that may halt bilateral or multilateral agreements that were in advanced stages. Military – Intervening or invading another country influences foreign policy. When KDF, for example, were deployed in Somalia through Operation Linda Nchi in 2011 relations between Kenya and Somalia were impacted. A threat to Kenya’s security (Al shabaab attacks on Kenyan soil) and national interests (kidnapping of tourists and piracy of ships destined for Kenya) led to the deployment of KDF in Somalia. Al Shabaab retaliated by attacking Westgate Mall in Kenya in 2013. REFERENCES Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2024) Pillars of Foreign Policy Available at: https://mfa.go.ke/fpolicy/ Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) (2024) Enhancing Kenya’s Foreign Policy Available at: https://kam.co.ke/enhancing-kenyas-foreign-policy/