Security-Diplomacy Nexus: Nature of Bilateral Cooperation in Kenya - India Military Diplomatic Relations Since 1963
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Date
2024-10-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
2 African Journal of Empirical Research
Abstract
Bilateral and multilateral agreements have been one of the mechanisms through which growth and development have taken place.
The newly created independent states of the Cold War period presented a major paradigm shift in international cooperation to
include military diplomacy. Kenya and India being among these newly created states have had their cooperation where by the two
countries have used their good diplomatic relations to bolster one another's military capabilities. The current study sought to put
into perspective the conduct of bilateral relations between Kenya and India. The objective of this study was to examine the nature
of bilateral cooperation in enhancing Kenya-India military-diplomatic relations since 1963. The study was anchored on power
theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study was carried out in Nairobi County, Kenya with a specific focus
on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Defence Ministry, and Indian High Commission. The target population was 2500. The sample
size for the study was determined using Yamane's (1967) formula to calculate the sample size, which was 250 Qualitative data
obtained from interviews were analysed using narrative reports using thematic techniques. Quantitative data from the
questionnaires was edited, coded, and entered into a computer spreadsheet in a standard format to allow descriptive statistics
analysis. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) edition 24 and Microsoft Office Excel 2013 were used for the quantitative
data. The findings of the study revealed that the nature of Kenya-India military diplomatic relations manifested in various forms
including through High-profile visits by Kenyan and Indian officials to both states as a way of strengthening bilateral relations.
Technological transfer was another way through which these two nations shaped their diplomatic relationship, particularly in
information and communication technology (ICT). Additionally, Defense trade and trade agreements, Security Partnerships,
Counterterrorism activities, Maritime Safety, and Peacekeeping missions were common areas of cooperation between Kenya and
India. The study concludes that bilateral cooperation between Kenya and India has been instrumental in enhancing their militarydiplomatic relations since 1963. The study recommends that, to better understand the nature of bilateral cooperation, Kenya and
India should establish a permanent joint military commission to oversee and coordinate defense initiatives.