Chen Rui2026-02-102026-02-102025-09https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32347A Research Project Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of International Relations and Diplomacy of Kenyatta University. September 2025 Supervisor Boniface Kitaka MuokaThis study examined China’s humanitarian diplomacy and state reconstruction in Somali between 2008 and 2023. The study was guided by three specific objectives. This study assessed the impact of Chinese humanitarian aid on the socio-economic development of Somalia, examined the effectiveness of Chinese capacity-building programs in enhancing Somalia's state reconstruction and explored the perceptions of the Somali population towards Chinese involvement in state reconstruction efforts. The study adopted realism and constructivism as theoretical paradigms. Realism posited that states operate in an anarchic international system where national interests and power dynamics are paramount. Constructivism on the other hand emphasized the importance of social constructs, norms and identities that shape international interactions. The study took the form of an exploratory research design. The tools of data collection were questionnaires and structured interview guides. This study employed purposive and snowball sampling techniques to identify Chinese diplomats and officials involved in Somalia-related affairs, Somali government officials and policymakers, representatives from Chinese humanitarian organizations and Somali nationals. Data was collected from a sample 384 respondents. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques. The study established that Chinese humanitarian aid had positive impacts on the socio-economic development of Somalia. It was also observed that Chinese capacity-building programs were effective in enhancing Somalia's state reconstruction. This study further noted that the Somali population has a negative perception towards Chinese involvement in state reconstruction efforts. This study recommended that the Federal Republic of Somalia should come up with mitigating strategies to make Chinese humanitarian aid effective. It also recommended that the Peoples’ Republic of China should strengthen capacity building in state reconstruction in post-conflict Somalia. It was further recommended that Chinese humanitarian assistance to Somalia should adequately address locals’ specific needs to reduce the gap between aid provision and locals’ expectationsenThesis