The Role of Foreign Policy in Advancing Economic Interest in Africa: a Case Study of Kenya’s Cultural Foreign Policy Pillar

Abstract

Every state in the international system seeks to have an increase in Economic Development which can be defined as an increase in standards of living. In doing this the state employs various foreign policy tools. The cultural pillar is one of the main modern-day tools that is used by the state to achieve their national interest. This study aimed to examine the role of foreign policy in advancing economic interest in Africa: a case study of Kenya’s cultural foreign policy pillar. The study was driven by three key objectives to investigate the role of foreign policy in advancing economic interest in Africa. To assess and evaluate the role and impact of the economic diplomacy pillar in advancing economic interest in Kenya and finally to examine the challenges of advancing Kenya’s economic Interest through cultural diplomacy. This study applied the rational choice theory and soft power theory to analyze the study. In doing this, the study adopted a mixed research method of both qualitative and quantitative research designs. Further, both the primary and secondary sources of data were relied upon. The findings of the study were that economic growth, development, and sustainable trade are the keys to long-term, sustainable economic growth, and development in Africa. As such the continent has placed trade as a top interest. However, the content remains marginalized and disadvantaged in international trade. Africa is a developing country, as such economic interest is one of its main goals. Further, the findings of the study were that there are various reasons why Kenya uses cultural diplomacy to advance its economic interest. The above has a greater impact on economic development this has also enhanced Kenya’s image internationally which is perfect from a business perceptive, this has made the country attractive to investors who would like to work or invest in the country for the process of economic development and growth. The findings of the study were that financial restrictions, poor coordination, lack of cultural experts, Kenya's asymmetric relations with developing countries as some of the key challenges facing the promotion of Kenya's national interest through cultural diplomacy. The study hence recommends the need for cultural collaboration and Relation building through cultural diplomacy. The study also recommends the establishment of cultural diplomacy initiative to further Kenya’s economic agenda.