| dc.description.abstract | This research project was carried out to establish the role of Kenya’s diplomatic missions of
commercial diplomacy in facilitating international business at the Kenya High Commissions
abroad. Commercial diplomacy is a newer avenue for countries to promote international trade
with friendly states. The study was therefore guided by three objectives: to examine the roles of
diplomatic missions in effective economic diplomacy and economic integration; to analyze the
challenges faced by diplomatic missions in facilitating commercial business; and to, apply the
importance of professionalizing economic diplomacy and economic integration for maximum
trade benefits. To realize the objectives of the research, the study used the theory of comparative
advantage which proposes that all countries will benefit from trading with each other regardless
of how well-endowed they are in labor, capital and land, and regardless of how efficiently they
can produce any particular good. Data was collected by use of personal interviews with openended
questions administered as well as review of academic literature and policies. The findings
of the study showed that the Kenya High Commissions have facilitated international business
through a number of ways such as export promotion, import promotion, international relations,
advisory and consular services as well as tourism promotion. The study recommends that the
Kenyan government through the Kenya High Commissions abroad should encourage
professionalism, as well as reviewing current trade and economic diplomacy policies, and vie
investment opportunities available in Kenya and sourcing markets for the Kenyan products both
regionally and internationally. | en_US |
