Implications of Kenya’s Strategic Autonomy On Its Relations With the East and West

Executive Summary

This brief states that Kenya’s foreign policy strategic autonomy, marked by shifting alliances at will between the global East economic powers (China and Russia) and the West (USA and Europe), carries profound implications for its diplomatic, economic, and security interests. Amidst great power rivalry, Kenya’s foreign policy has evolved from a post-colonial alignment with the West to a more diversified approach, characterised by engagement with both Western and Eastern powers. This dual engagement has yielded significant benefits, such as investment in infrastructure by China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and sustained trade with the European Union (EU) and the USA in agricultural products and labour. Nonetheless, the balancing act between the East and West, while offering immense opportunities, could destabilise strategic interests if Kenya fails to navigate the associated risks effectively. Key recommendations include a clear and consistent foreign policy framework guiding Kenya’s interaction with various geopolitical actors; leveraging on collective regional approaches to enhance bargaining power and capitalizing on local and regional development banks for financial resources.