The influence of political system on implementation of foreign policy in Kenya

Abstract

Formulating foreign policies is an essential undertaking for any country keen on fostering good relations with external partners. However, a number of countries tend to implement their foreign policy without critically considering political dynamism. One of the critical aspects of political dynamism is political systems. This study examined how political system influences foreign policy execution in Kenya. The study was guided by rational choice theory, and adopted descriptive research design. The study applied stratified random sampling technique to select 100 individuals from a target population of 195, comprising of 105 diplomats, 66 political party officials, 1 staff of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 23 officials from civil society organizations. The sample was calculated using Yamane formula. Data was collected using a questionnaire and data analysis was undertaken descriptively and inferentially using SPSS computer software and presented using tables, figures and descriptions. The study established that political system was very instrumental in policy formulation and enactment. This implied that countries exhibiting steady political organization on the African continent were likely to make a stronger mark in the global political arena. From inferential statistics, political system strongly influenced foreign policy implementation in Kenya, with r=0.532 & p=001<0.05. From the foregoing arguments, it was evident that foreign policy is highly determined by political organizations adopted in any country in question. At the same time, multi-partyism formed the epitome of more effective deliberations when it came to enacting international rules of engagement and foundation of interstate relations. The study concluded that political system influences the foreign policy of a country and that there is a close relationship between political system and foreign policy. The research recommended that alternative voices from non-state actors should be considered in Kenya’s political system to strengthen and engender robust foreign policy debates.