| dc.description.abstract | Kenya-Israeli relations were formalised immediately after Kenya's independence in 1963 upon which bilateral agreements were signed and Israeli assistance were received in various fields. At this time, Kenya's foreign policy was guided by the principle of positive non-alignment, enabling it to gain from the East and the West and to safeguard its newly acquired independence. Israel was an ideal partner in Kenya's quest to build its young nation as it had gone through a similar path and had little neo-colonial designs upon Kenya.
Although Kenya-Israeli ties have been strong since independence, the Middle East crisis has over the years presented Kenya with a dilemma in its foreign policy towards Israel. Within the UN forums, for example, Kenya supports the Palestinian course by backing the UN resolutions that are viewed by Israel as unfavourable.
This research probes Kenya's foreign policy from 1963 to 2002 on the basis of its pronouncements and behaviour in relation to the Middle East crisis and its foreign policy towards Israel Kenya's foreign policy is shaped by the desire to attract economic assistance that does not come with a heavy burden. This has been an attractive aspect in its relations with Israel. Towards Israel, external actors and factors do not playa major role in influencing Kenya's foreign policy. Within the UN, Kenya's foreign policy is guided by the UN principles. Here, Kenya finds an opportunity to participate in diplomatic events and to be part of the international community that seeks to end conflicts in the world.
Domestically, the economy was found to be an important factor in Kenya's foreign policy because Israeli assistance in agriculture is geared towards the improvement of the economy. Israel also provides a sizeable market for Kenya's products and is a good tourist originating country in that region. Kenya also gains economically from other Israeli-friendly states such as the USA by maintaining cordial ties with Israel.
Because Israel represents a wider interest for Kenya, this study recommends that the ties between the two countries be strengthened further by diversifying Israeli technical know-how in the various sectors of Kenya's society. Kenya has suffered as a result of terrorist acts and therefore, needs to be within the circle of the major powers that seek to stop the spreading tide of insecurity. | en |
