Strengthening Digital Diplomacy for Effective Foreign Policy: Analysis of Kenya's Permanent Mission to the Un and Other International Organizations in Geneva

Abstract

This study sought to explore the application of digital diplomacy at the Kenya Permanent Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva to recommend ways of strengthening digital diplomacy in Kenya’s diplomatic ecosystem. While the study identified significant strides made at the Mission and the broader foreign affairs ecosystem in adopting digital diplomacy, much work still needs to be done to ensure Kenya fully leverages this new frontier for better foreign policy outcomes. The study recommends developing and implementing a Digital Foreign Policy (DFP) to help the country become a pacesetter in this diplomatic race. The DFP recommended for implementation will be anchored on several issues. At the core of this policy are the national values and interests. In the inner layer is a Strategic Plan to support the implementation of the DFP along critical thematic areas and to leverage digital tools such as social media, online conferencing, and big data analysis in the practice of diplomacy. The third layer will focus on emerging issues in the foreign policy ecosystems, such as cybersecurity, digital governance, digital self-determination, and e-commerce. Finally, the outer layer addresses a broad range of changes and events shaping the global technological ecosystem, including the emergence of new communication technologies which fundamentally influence diplomacy. If properly executed, Kenya will likely have a structured approach to executing its diplomatic objectives while being attuned to the changes in the information and communications technology space for positive foreign policy outcomes.