Territorial Border Dispute and Foreign Policy Behavior: A Case Study of Kenya-Somalia Relations, 2009-2019

This study sought to examine foreign policy behavior as informed by territorial border dispute. As opposed to terrestrial borders that are commonly governed by domestic law, the focus of this study is maritime border dispute with a focus on Kenya-Somalia relations. The study focused on the period of 2009 when Kenya signed into an agreement with Somalia over the use of the continental shelf beyond the 200 nautical miles that define the territorial water and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and 2019 as the dispute is still ongoing in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). From this background, the study generally examined the role of territorial border disputes in shaping forego policy behavior. Specifically, the study has examined the causes of the maritime border dispute between Kenya and Somalia, the impact of the dispute on Kenya-Somalia relations and lastly the possible mechanisms of managing the dispute. Realism was adopted as the theoretical &amen-car of analysis. Thus. Theoretical tenets such as the centrality of states, national interests interpreted in terms of power, anarchy in the international system and self-help have shaped arguments of the study. This study adopts a qualitative research approach whereby measurements are not numerical but aimed at generating in-depth understanding of the issues identified by the researcher. Study findings indicate that the need to protect vital national interest such as territorial integrity and economic resources, internal political dynamics in Somalia and external interest and some of the sources of the maritime border dispute. Notably, the dispute has resulted to constrained diplomatic relations between Kenya and Somalia, and has created uncertainty in the fight against terrorism in the Horn of Africa and protection of Somali refugees and is likely in impede efforts towards the stabilization of Somalia. While Somalia favors legal approach to the dispute. Kenya is in favor of a political solution that is viewed as likely to restore relations between the two neighboring states. The study findings underscore the central thesis of this study that. Kenya should adopt forego policy options that will protect her territorial integrity and other vital national interests including national security and valuable seabed resources in the contested maritime zone. The study further opines that if possible and in the spirit of good neighborliness. Kenya and Somalia should seek political as opposed to legal options of resolving existing maritime border dispute. This according to the study will enhance the exploitation of the valuable seabed resources in the continental shelf outside of the EEZ for the benefit of the two states.