Military Diplomacy and Trends in Acquisition of Military Equipment between Kenya and Britain, 1963 - 2017
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Date
2021
Authors
Ibrahim, Hamud Osman
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study examined Kenya-Britain military diplomacy and trends in acquisition of
military equipment. The study sought to: first, explore the key areas of military
diplomacy, cooperation and assistance between Kenya and Britain. Secondly, to
analyze trends of trade in military equipment between the two countries and thirdly,
to evaluate the factors that have influenced military diplomacy and trade in military
hardware and software between Kenya and Britain from 1963 to 2017. The study
was based on two theories. Interdependence liberalism theory which emphasizes on
the concept of reliance where the interests of states are tied together and realism
which purports that the World order is a forum where nation-states selfishly seek
what they consider of their national interests. The study used the historical research
design to trace the nature of cooperation and trends influencing the acquisition of
military equipment between the two states. The study also made use of comparative
case study to provide new empirical evidence on nature, trends and factors
influencing trade diplomacy among the two states. The study utilized a sample size
of 70 respondents. Purposive sampling was used in identifying key informants of the
study, while snowballing was used when key informants made reference to other
personalities with key information on the topic. Field data was collected through
questionnaires, oral interviews and Focused Group Discussions. Secondary data
was sourced from conference papers, books and journals. Collected data was
grouped, corroborated, and presented using simple descriptive statistics and
verbatim transcription. The data was analyzed using quantitative and qualitative
research techniques. The conclusion that emerges from this study is that general
volumes of trade imports in military equipment from Britain to Kenya and military
diplomacy between the two countries had declined over time. This trend has been
influenced mostly by economic and political sanctions levelled on Kenya in the
advent of multi-party democracy in the early 1990s as well as the Look-East policy
adopted by Kenya to cushion it from the stringent measures on limited funding from
the West. The key areas of military engagement between Kenya and her long
standing ally is in the area of intelligence gathering as part of fighting terrorism
especially Al-Shabaab as the key terror threat in the region, BATUK training ground
for British troops, and regional security through support in arms. The study also
notes that globalization has opened the platform where Kenya has been able to
advance military diplomacy with other new states from Middle and Far East
including Jordan and China based on her national interests. The recommendations
point that Kenya should strengthen its military diplomacy with Britain as part of
enhancing its national security and access to military capacity. Further research
needs to be done on emerging military capacity especially in the area of intelligence
gathering and sharing.
Description
A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements for the Award of Degree of Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy in the School of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies of Kenyatta University, September, 2021
Keywords
Military Diplomacy, Trends, Acquisition, Military Equipment, Kenya and Britain, 1963 - 2017