The Role of Domestic Politics in Influencing Foreign Policy Formulation: A Case of Kenya’s ‘Look East’ Economic Diplomacy 2002 – 2016

This thesis sought to examine Kenya’s economic diplomacy in the Asian continent, with a specific focus on China. It examined economic diplomacy as a pillar of Kenya’s foreign policy in advancing Kenya’s socio-economic development. The thesis also sought to study the role of domestic agency, local politics and the interests of politicians in the ascendancy of economic diplomacy to become a mainstay of Kenyan foreign policy. The method of research used was literature review of publications related to foreign diplomacy, Kenya-China relations, and the trade reports between the two countries. Based on the findings of the study, the forces of globalization and democratization have shifted the priorities of Kenya’s foreign policy towards economic diplomacy. In addition to this, the research showed that in this period under study, the Kenya’s economic diplomacy tactic constituted more than a reaction to the global environment. It was shaped by both internal political processes and international political factors. The change in political regimes from Moi to Kibaki era welcomed a drastic change in foreign policy. The change in political regimes also augmented the Sino-Kenya trade and commercial relations. The wave of change as influenced by the new brood of politicians and policy makers to the top positions of the government also signified the shift to the East from the West. Increased sanctions especially by the West (including the US and Britain) on economic fronts and travel bans to politicians and business people also saw the gradual but steady change to the East Asian country as the preferred strategic supporter of the Kenyan economy. One major challenge identified was how the country was having a negative trade balance with China, importing over Ksh.320 billion worth of machineries and other goods in 2016 that should incite the government to look for approaches of strengthening its economic policy to have a positive or balanced trade with China. The research concludes that Kenya’s political leadership has embraced the Africa rising narrative and its relevance to the country’s long-term developmental plans. The leadership seeks to transform the state into a middle-income economy.