FREDRICK OKANGO: Foreign policy - Barrier to continental leadership

STAR ILLUSTRATION

Kenya has long been recognised as a diplomatic heavyweight in Africa, often at the forefront of regional peace, security, and economic integration.

Its foreign policy, anchored on five key pillars— economic diplomacy, peace diplomacy, environmental diplomacy, diaspora diplomacy, and cultural diplomacy—has earned the country a strong global reputation.

However, despite these strengths, Kenya has struggled to secure top leadership positions for its nationals in continental bodies such as the African Union and the East African Community.

A glaring example of Kenya’s shortcomings in foreign policy was the failed bid of Ambassador Amina Mohamed for the AU Commission chairperson position in 2017.

Despite her vast diplomatic experience, Mohamed lost due to inadequate lobbying and a lack of cohesive regional support.

More recently, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the same position also faced strong opposition and failed, partly due to Kenya’s failure to rally enough allies behind him. These cases highlight a critical weakness in Kenya’s diplomatic strategy—its inability to consolidate sufficient backing for its candidates.

Domestically, Kenya’s internal political dynamics have undermined its foreign policy consistency. Political transitions often lead to shifting diplomatic priorities, making it difficult to build sustained momentum for continental leadership bids.

Unlike countries such as Nigeria and Egypt, which strategically lobby for their candidates, Kenya has failed to present a unified diplomatic front. Moreover, Kenya’s reliance on regional blocs such as the EAC and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa to support its candidates has often backfired.

While these blocs promote regional cooperation, political and national interests frequently override collective endorsements. In some instances, Kenya’s supposed allies have either remained neutral or backed competing candidates.

This fluidity in regional politics means Kenya must approach continental elections with a more pragmatic strategy, focusing on coalition-building rather than assuming automatic support.

Kenya’s foreign policy has traditionally prioritised economic diplomacy, fostering trade and investment partnerships across Africa.

However, this economic strength has not translated into greater political leverage in key decision-making institutions like the AU.

Countries such as Ethiopia and Nigeria have successfully balanced economic engagement with strategic political influence, securing key continental roles. For Kenya to succeed, it must recalibrate its approach, merging economic diplomacy with robust political manoeuvring.

Kenya’s quest for continental leadership is also influenced by broader geopolitical interests. The country’s strategic position as an economic and security hub in East Africa has attracted significant global interest from powers such as the United States, China, and the European Union.

These external influences often shape Kenya’s diplomatic engagements, sometimes limiting its ability to form strong African alliances.

For instance, Kenya’s close ties with Western nations have, at times, created friction with African states that perceive its foreign policy as aligned with external interests.

In contrast, countries like Algeria and South Africa have leveraged their non-aligned stances to gain broader continental backing for leadership roles. To navigate these challenges, Kenya must balance its global partnerships while reinforcing its commitment to African unity and self-reliance.

Kenya has a vast and influential diaspora network across Africa, yet it has not fully leveraged this resource in its diplomatic efforts. Countries that actively engage their diaspora communities tend to gain stronger political backing in international organisations.

A structured engagement with Kenyan professionals in global institutions could significantly bolster the country’s ability to lobby effectively for leadership roles.

Kenya’s positioning on global conflicts, such as the war in Palestine, the Democratic Republic of Congo crisis, the Sudan conflict, and tensions in Somalia, has shaped its diplomatic influence. Kenya’s advocacy for peaceful resolutions and adherence to international law has earned it both support and criticism.

While Kenya remains a regional powerhouse, its foreign policy must be recalibrated to better position its nationals for continental leadership roles. Stronger lobbying strategies, consistent diplomatic engagement, and pragmatic coalition-building are essential.

Additionally, Kenya must adopt a more nuanced approach to geopolitics, balancing global partnerships with regional solidarity to enhance its credibility within African institutions.

Political strategist and expert in leadership and governance