Abstract:
The role of diplomatic missions remains vital in outward and inward trade and investment promotion. Trade and investment are seen to be important through the role they play as a means of economic and political strategy. In Kenya, there is great potential for trade and investment promotion to the United Kingdom. It would be necessary to understand efforts structurally put in place by diplomatic missions to ensure the success of Kenyan-owned subsidiaries in international markets. Hence, this research examines the role of diplomatic missions in the promotion of trade and investment between Kenya and the United Kingdom focusing on a timeline of 2015 to 2020. The case study focused on analytical evidence of the Kenya High Commission in promoting trade and investment in the United Kingdom. The Neoliberalism theory which promotes a ‘laissez a faire’ approach is used to explain the demand and supply market forces that are in play to ensure minimal state interference in ensuring free and open trade between countries.
Kenya’s diplomatic missions abroad serve as key economic and commercial institutions that help Kenya to engage in trade and investment promotion. The Kenyan diplomatic missions require training and capacity building for the diplomatic staff. Kenya has had successful trade, investment initiatives, the period between 2015 to 2020 highlighted that Kenya, and United Kingdom, had a stable relationship in terms of trade and investment promotion.
