Authors: David Ngochi Ngari1, Maria Nzomo2. and Pontian Godfrey Okoth3.
1&2Department of Diplomacy and International Studies,
The University of Nairobi (UoN),
P.O. Box 30197 – 00100 Nairobi – Kenya
3Department of Peace and Conflict Studies (DPCS),
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST),
P.O. Box 190 – 50100 Kakamega – Kenya
Email: ngochidn@gmai.com
Abstract: Defense diplomacy is an instrument of diplomacy that promotes the implementation of national foreign and defence policy. It fosters inter-state relations that further establishes mutual trust and interdependence between states. The origin of Kenya’s defence diplomacy is underpinned by the foreign policy ‘doctrines’ of the first four Presidents and its democratic governance. The study was geared to examine and assess the overview of defence diplomacy in Kenya with a view of promoting inter-state relations. The study employed mixed design underpinned in pragmatism research philosophy design, targeting key strategic Senior Military and Civilian Staff in related security institutions, and Ministries. Through purposive sampling techniques participants with not less than twenty years in service or served, relevant knowledge and in decision making were targeted. The sample size reached was eighty, but only fourteen participated through questionnaires, thirteen in interviews and twelve in focus group. Data analysis followed scientific procedures of categorized coding, conversation and discourse analysis and graphical interpretation for archival data. It concludes that the national defence and security structures and institutions establish the bedrock of defence diplomacy in Kenyan. It recommends that Kenya should improve its defence and security structures and institutions with good policies that ensure effective conduct of defence diplomacy.
Key words: Defence Diplomacy, Diplomacy Education, Inter-state Diplomacy, Kenya Defence, Interstate Policy, Kenya Security, Diplomacy Training
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Suggested Citation
Ngochi,D.N., Nzomo,M., &Okoth, P.G (2023). An Overview of Defence Diplomacy in Kenya. African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 10(2), 58-75. Available online at http://arjess.org/social-sciences-research/an-overview-of-defence-diplomacy-in-kenya.pdf
