Challenges of Foreign Policy Implementation in Africa: Role of Media Diplomacy in Kenya

Abstract

This study analyses the challenges of foreign policy implementation in Africa. The main objective of this research was to examine and analyse the role of media in bridging the gap posed by various challenges that Africa face in foreign policy implementation. As a case study, this research set out to investigate and determine the role and impact of media diplomacy in shaping foreign policy outcome in Kenya. This study applies Liberalism Theory to analyse the link between the media and foreign policy as the study relates the liberal values informing the foreign policy objectives of many countries. This theory argues that people prefer peace to war. Public opinion is facilitated by the media and hence the media is important in policy decision making. Additionally, as the main tool of communication, media is crucial in projecting the values of a given country internationally. This study therefore analyses the role of media in projecting Africa‘s values. This research focused on Kenya‘s application of the media in foreign policy implementation strategy. The data was collected at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as selected foreign diplomatic missions based in Nairobi. It is established that media plays a complementary role to diplomacy in foreign policy implementation and hence shapes the outcome of foreign policy in Kenya. The study concludes that media diplomacy can play a significant role in the foreign policy implementation. The study hence recommends that Africa should establish a strong regional media network, an effective diplomacy strategy to bridge the gaps in foreign policy process and train diplomats on effective media relations. The study further recommends research into the new media impact on diplomatic engagements and an inquiry into the effective ways of strategic requirements needed to integrate media diplomacy as a tool of foreign policy implementation by governments in Africa.