Idiosyncratic Variables As Determinants Of Kenya’S Foreign Policy: A Case Study Of Mwai Kibaki, 2002-2013
View/ Open
Date
2020Author
Wahong’o, Charles O
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This study examines the impact of idiosyncratic traits of President Mwai Kibaki on Kenya’s
foreign policy during his administration, 2002 - 2013. The main research question that
guided the study was; in what ways did Kibaki’s idiosyncrasies impact on Kenya’s foreign
policy formulation and conduct during his administration? The major hypothesis guiding the
study was that individual personality traits of a leader often impacts formulation and conduct
of a country’s foreign policy. The study employed longitudinal case study research design.
Non-probabilistic sampling methods were used to collect primary data whilst secondary data
was gathered from the existing literature. The collected data was analysed largely through
qualitative approaches. The main finding of the study was that Kibaki’s idiosyncratic traits
influenced Kenya’s foreign policy behaviour in the period stated. The study made the
following specific findings: Kibaki’s social/ academic background shaped his individual
worldview; Kibaki’s belief system influenced him to pursue national interest; Kibaki’s age
endowed him with superior judgment, analytical capabilities, calculative, strategic and nonemotive
in decision making; and fears about Kibaki’s health status proved to be a weak link
in Kenya’s foreign policy. Based on these findings, the study concludes that taken
collectively, the idiosyncratic traits of a leader influences the foreign policy of a state. The
study, therefore, recommends that foreign policy practitioners endeavour to understand the
idiosyncratic traits of leaders, especially from developing states, so as to be able to forge
meaningful foreign policy engagements. Further, academic inquiry on personal traits of
potential future leaders be conducted to allow for better understanding on the possible
influence of their idiosyncrasies on a country’s foreign policy.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Subject
Kenya’S Foreign PolicyRights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United StatesUsage Rights
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/Collections
The following license files are associated with this item: