Exploring the Role of Nationalism in Kenya’s Foreign Policy, 1963-1991

The role of nationalism in human affairs has great historical precedent. Nationalism relays great sentimental and moralistic value to both state actors and the individual citizens that internalize it. In this sense it can be understood as key driver of policy formulation and implementation in states. The study is an inquiry into the foreign policy of Kenya during the 1963-1991 by asking whether and how nationalism influenced its formation and practice. To do this, the study first examines nationalism and in particular it’s ideological and in practical formation, and then analyses its role, if any, in the formation and conduct of Kenya’s foreign policy during the period of 1963-1991. The study is based on archival research. It therefore uses qualitative research design. The qualitative data shall be analyzed by historical analysis and discourse analysis while employing a post-positivist method, which seeks to account for Kenya’s foreign policy in relation to nationalism. Nationalism in the Kenyan context accounts for the key psychological motivation of Kenyan state actors, when they pursue foreign policy. It also greatly influences group formations among Kenyan citizens. For the Kenyan state, nationalism has created legitimation regimes that greatly inform foreign policy formation and implementation.