EFFICACY OF KENYA’S PEACE DIPLOMACY IN PROMOTING REGIONAL INTEGRATION WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY
Abstract
Purpose of Study: To examined the efficacy of Kenya's peace diplomacy in promoting regional integration within the East African Community.
Problem Statement: Kenya has consistently positioned itself as a key diplomatic and security actor within the East African Community, actively engaging in mediation, peace facilitation, and regional security cooperation. However, while these diplomatic engagements are often acknowledged at the political and security levels, there is limited clarity on whether, and to what extent, Kenya's peace diplomacy has effectively promoted core objectives of regional integration such as the reduction of trade barriers, expansion of cross-border investment, and coordinated infrastructure development.
Methodology: The study adopted a mixed-methods research approach using a convergent parallel research design. The target population consisted of 250 respondents drawn from government agencies, regional organizations, civil society organizations, and academic institutions involved in peace and regional integration. Data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interviews, and document analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis.
Result: Kenya employs several peace diplomacy strategies, including mediation, diplomatic dialogue, peacebuilding, institutional cooperation, and multilateral engagement. However, Kenya's peace diplomacy has been less effective in preventing interstate conflicts, improving regional peace and security and responding to emerging security threats. Major challenges identified included differences in national interests, political differences, weak institutional coordination, inadequate financial resources, external geopolitical influence, and emerging security threats.
Recommendation: Strengthening preventive diplomacy, improving institutional coordination, increasing political commitment among EAC Partner States, investing in peacebuilding and conflict prevention, promoting inclusive stakeholder participation, harmonizing regional policies, and providing adequate financial support to enhance regional peace and integration.
Keywords: Peace Diplomacy, Regional Integration, East African Community, Kenya, Mediation, Preventive Diplomacy, Neofunctionalism, Pan-Africanism
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