Kenya’s Economic Diplomacy towards Tanzania: A Comparative Analysis of Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta Administrations (2002-2021)

Economic and political motivations usually encourage governments to employ economic diplomacy in the management of foreign affairs more specifically between developed and developing countries around the world. There has been a fierce debate on when governments should use economic diplomacy and whether it’s legitimate or appropriate. Decision-making to employ economic diplomacy is complex given that it involves different state and non-state actors which have different aims in terms of economic and political outcomes. The study aimed at comparing Kenya’s economic diplomacy towards Tanzania during the administrations of President Mwai Kibaki and President Uhuru Kenya by looking at the different approaches that they used while engaging with the United Republic of Tanzania. Both President Mwai Kibaki and President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administrations have paid greater attention to the issues of using economic diplomacy as a tool to further Kenya’s interests in Tanzania and the greater East African region especially based on the engagements involving President Uhuru Kenyatta and the President of the Republic of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan. The literature review for this research focused on diplomacy in general and the various forms of diplomacy which further leads to economic diplomacy and examined how it has been used globally and regionally. It further examined the different approaches to economic diplomacy and the various tools and techniques used in enhancing economic diplomacy. The theoretical framework focused on the theory of interdependence liberalism, which means that countries depend on each other to achieve their objectives. The research also focused on the theory of intergovernmental integration which means that states are joining regional trade blocs to further their economic objectives. The research design used was a mixed design, which was considered suitable for this study given that it combines both qualitative and quantitative data. Primary data was collected using self administered questionnaires which were circulated online using Google forms and the researcher set the questions in areas of interest to the research. Data were analyzed through the editing of data, data coding, and finally data tabulation. The study established that there exist positive relationships between Kenya and Tanzania and this was proved by the investment Kenya has explored in Tanzania. There exist exports and imports from both sides hence confirming the positive relations. The study also established that both countries depend on each other in many aspects for example social interactions between people of these nations, integration of economic activities, and infrastructural development hence the strong relationship between the two countries. The study suggests recommendations in Kenya could utilize in enhancing economic diplomacy towards Tanzania, which include the Joint Permanent Commission and strengthening of non-trade barriers. The bilateral agreements signed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Uhuru Kenyatta have greatly enhanced the use of economic diplomacy between these two nations. The study established that having economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries is key to its success and also their economic diplomacy through trade agreements and cross-border and regional trade is key to success in achieving economic interests. The researcher recommended further research in the field of economic diplomacy given that it keeps on evolving.