The ongoing conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), exacerbated by the M23 insurgency, has escalated into one of the most complex and protracted crises in Africa. Key contributing issues include multiplicity of inconclusive regional initiatives, vested interests of political actors, the geopolitics of Eastern and Southern Africa, and identity politics and proxy wars.
The brief posits that the transactional trade policy shift by the newly inaugurated 47th United States of America’s President Donald Trump offers an opportunity for Kenya to strategically align more with alternative trade partners in South East Asia (SEA) such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam. The recent protectionist trade policies announced by the USA underscore the urgency for Kenya to shift from traditional trade allies to alternative trade partners in the Global South with better reciprocal trade policies
This brief examines strategies that Kenya can adopt to strengthen Kenya-United States of America (USA) relations following the election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the USA. Under President Biden, Kenya enjoyed robust ties with the USA, marked by milestones such as President Ruto’s state visit to USA, support for Kenya's leadership in the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) to Haiti, and Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA).
The Global Centre for Policy and Strategy (GLOCEPS) is a think-tank based in Nairobi, Kenya. GLOCEPS is a leading centre of excellence in policy influence and strategy formulation. The Centre provides strategic linkage between experience and research by bringing together outstanding professionals, thought leaders and academia to advance key issues on peace and security. GLOCEPS work cuts across five pillars, namely, security and defence; foreign policy; transnational organized crimes; governance and ethics; and development.
The Global Centre for Policy and Strategy (GLOCEPS) extends its warmest congratulations to its Senior Associate, Prof. Noah O. Midamba, PhD, on his appointment by Education Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Julius Ogamba, EBS, as the Chairperson of the Moi University Council. Prof. Midamba launched GLOCEPS in 2021 as the Keynote Speaker, while serving as the Vice-Chancellor of KCA University. Since then, he has remained the Centre’s most vibrant associate and ambassador in our mission to contribute to global peace and prosperity through action research in diplomacy, security and development. His media appearances and contributions focusing on global governance, international security, foreign policy and regional developmental issues have seen GLOCEPS grow to become a respected Think Tank, regionally and globally. With his extensive experience in economic development and higher education management, GLOCEPS is confident that Prof. Midamba will provide invaluable leadership to Moi University, addressing its current challenges while driving it towards new academic and institutional heights. GLOCEPS looks forward to enhancing its relations with Moi University in its journey to reclaim its prestige.
GLOCEPS Team led by Ag Executive Director, Dr Ken Asemb, visited Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO) Japan and held discussions with IDE research team led by Miki HAMADA, Director General Development Studies Centre. The team later visited IDE Library where Prof Mohamud Jama’s title Gender, Environment and Development in Kenya is shelved. You can guess the excitement!
On November 27-28, 2024, GLOCEPS represented by Denis Muniu participated in a workshop organized by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in collaboration with the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) and the Life and Peace Institute (LPI). The dialogue centered on the Horn of Africa’s (HoA) security and defense cooperation, assessing the region’s capacity to address its multifaceted challenges. Key drivers of the discussion included escalating violence within member states, inter-state tensions, terrorism, economic instability, migration, and the region’s susceptibility to external interventions. The workshop brought together policymakers, diplomats, academics, and representatives from think-tanks to deliberate on these issues.
GLOCEPS Team led by Ag Executive Director, Dr Ken Asembo visited Sasakawa Peace Foundation, a leading research institution and Think Tank in Japan and held discussions with the Peace Foundation research team led by Programme Director Maho Nakayama with deliberations focused on research partnerships for climate action and Peace and security in Eastern Africa within the framework of FOIP.