The Role of Sports Diplomacy in African International Relations: the Case of Kenya

Abstract

African states have yet to master fully how to apply sport to achieve their interest and to build their political power and influence globally. When sport goes beyond national boundaries it becomes an intimate companion of diplomacy. Sports Diplomacy is an increasingly important aspect of diplomatic practice and growing part of the global sports industry. The main purpose of the study was to establish the role of sports diplomacy in the pursuit of Africa’s and Kenya’s national interest in particular. The study sought to examine and analyze the role of sports diplomacy in advancing Africa’s regional interests, in attaining Kenya’s national interest in foreign relations and in Kenya’s foreign economic relations. This study was using cross sectional surveys and Purposive sampling to select those to be interviewed to help get the right information. The theory being used in the study is the liberal theory that proposes the cooperation of states and non-state actors and the important role of international institutions in international relations. The hypothesis formed were sports diplomacy can be utilized to advance Africa’s interests as a region, sports diplomacy can attain Kenya’s national interest in foreign relations and sports can positively influence Kenya’s foreign economic relations. They were used in the formation of the questionnaire. The study established that sports diplomacy could be used in the pursuit of national interest and that sports diplomacy could be seen as part of identity building for a state, in which case the concept of sports ambassadors was identified. The study also found out that image building was an effective strategy aimed to attract investors that are in early stages of decision – making while at the same time position Kenya as a regional leader. The study recommends that the government needs to further embark on an active campaign for Kenya to utilize sports diplomacy in the pursuit of national interest in Africa and globally