Kenya’s Quest for Economic Interests in the East African Community: The Formulation Process of Foreign Policy

Abstract

Economic diplomacy is emerging as a critical pillar in the foreign policy of states around the world. The Kenya Foreign Policy Framework (2014) recognizes economic diplomacy as a key pillar of the state’s foreign policy alongside peace diplomacy, environmental diplomacy, cultural diplomacy and diaspora diplomacy. The East African Community (EAC) as a region has a long history of fostering economic cooperation right from the time of the East African Cooperation up to date. This is the foundation of enhancing economic development for the region as a way of overcoming global economic challenges occasioned by globalization and the related complex interdependencies among states. This has seen EAC states move towards regional integration efforts. This paper investigates the formulation process of Kenya’s foreign policy on economic interests towards the EAC. The study employed a sequential mixed method design employing the use of interviews and questionnaires complemented by secondary data sources for data collection. The paper is informed by Karl Popper’s philosophy of piecemeal social engineering that advocates for a gradualist approach towards solving societal problems and the resultant policies that are adopted