Soft Power and Language: French Interests in Kenya (1990-2018)

This research set out to analyse the use of the use of language as a tool for soft power to advance the French interest in Kenya. The objectives of the study were to: analyse how the French have used language as a soft power tool in Kenya; determine the cultural and educational influence of French in Kenya and to, analyse avenues for developing French-Kenya relations. France is known as one of the few nations that have stuck with the of soft power for centuries. However, French relations with Kenya present a special case since the two did not have any colonial relations. France started strengthening its relations with Kenya after Britain granted independence to the latter. Kenya‟s strategic position in the region has been a major driving factor behind efforts by the French to strengthen ties. While the French language has grown more popular in Kenya, its influence on French-Kenya relations remains unclear, especially in regard with political and economic ties between the two nations. The study used random sampling to identify respondents to the questionnaires. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyse the data. It was established that the French language has been an important tool in advancing French interests in Kenya.