An Analysis of the Effective Use of Sports Diplomacy in Achieving Foreign Policy Objectives: The Case of Kenya 2014-2018

Abstract

Kenya has for decades not fully utilized the contribution of incorporating sports diplomacy to her benefits in regards to foreign policy. Such that Kenya's influence on the global arena can be advanced and certain interests achieved by integrating sports to its diplomacy. Diplomacy is vital for cooperation in the pursuit of non-aggression among nation states, and Kenya as a member of the global community should be able to sufficiently reap from the benefits of inculcating sports into its diplomacy. This study attempts to analyse the role sports can play in pursuit or advancement of key foreign policy objectives in Kenya. The study also analyses the impact of inter and multi-agency coordination for the use of sport for diplomacy and finally to assess the impact of athletes and sports mega events on Kenya's sports diplomacy. The study was conducted and analysed feedback from cross sectional surveys. The method of sampling was purposive sampling to achieve the desired data. The theories that were employed in the study are the liberalism and globalization theory that jointly seem to propose that due to the constant competition among nation states to achieve certain objectives, the integration of economies is consolidating a global economy and such is benchmarked through international institutions. Competition spreads through states and thus becomes a strategic companion to the popularity of global sporting events. The interdependencies created by the global economy has also intertwined modem sport to realise certain ends and have the potential to recalibrate state relations by use of state and non-state actors. The hypotheses established would be vital for the advancement of Kenya's image in the national, regional and international arena. The hypotheses were utilized in the formation of the questionnaire whilst the study established that the bidding of sports mega events, participation by athletes and realisation of key national sports policies, could be beneficial in pursuant of key foreign policies. As a soft power tool, the use of sports diplomacy would strengthen Kenya's position on the continent and globally, and erect her as a pioneer in use of sports to pursue her diplomatic objectives. The study also found out that the application of soft power through the use of sports would project Kenya as a pioneer, not only on the African continent but globally. The study recommends a rigorous campaign in the reification of a comprehensive strategic framework through the utilization of sports in pursuit of Kenya's interests in foreign relations, and the recognition and documentation of athletes as agents of sports diplomacy.