|
Political neighbors of Kenya are many and they strongly effect the countries position in the international scenario. Kenya ,in eastern Africa had established political relations with the far east and the middle east through coastal trade during the early times. Its life under the British crown accelerated its trade relations with Britain.
After gaining independence in 1963, Kenya set up a well structured political system with foreign policies made based on its political and international needs. These policies created a bond between Kenya and its political neighbors. Under the first prime minister, Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya was a non aligned nation but it built up friendly relations with the west. Kenya received assistance from its former colonial head, UK. In exchange Kenya allowed UK to use its hinterlands for military training.
Significant foreign relations developed with U.S under President Moi with Kenya supporting U.S military commitments in Indian ocean. This has attained importance as the Horn of Africa plays a major role in the international fight against terrorism. The continuous threats of terrorist attacks by the Islamists has strengthened the international relations between Kenya and U.S.
The western powers are not the only political neighbors of Kenya. It plays an active role in the political matters of its immediate geographical neighbors. Kenya has had conflicts with each of its five neighbors at different times. But diplomatic efforts initiated by Kenya led to the end of the disputes. Recently, Kenya's participation in the peace talks aided in the ending of the civil war in southern Sudan.
Presently Kenya is facing problems with Somalia. Considering the Islamist population in Somalia, Kenya indirectly supported the military campaign of Ethiopia in Somalia in December 2006. in January 2007 Kenya closed its borders with Somalia.
Positive relations are being developed between Kenya and political neighbors Kenya-Uganda and Tanzania trough the restoration of the tripartite trade bloc, the East African Community (EAC), as well as the broader organization, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
|
