Stakeholder Participation Mechanisms in Foreign Policy Decision-Making : Lessons from Kenya’s EACRF Deployment
Keywords:
Public choice theory, constructivism, foreign policy, stakeholder participation, EACRF deploymentAbstract
This article examined the role of stakeholder participation mechanisms in foreign policy decision-making, focusing on the deployment of Kenya’s contingent (KENCON) under the East African Community Regional Force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The general purpose was to investigate how diverse stakeholders influence foreign policy processes within the framework of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. It specifically sought to (i) identify the constitutional frameworks guiding foreign policy decision-making, (ii) analyse the role of key stakeholders in influencing the KENCON deployment decision, (iii) evaluate the effectiveness of public engagement platforms in facilitating stakeholder participation, and (iv) propose strategies to strengthen inclusive foreign policy decision-making. Anchored in public choice theory and constructivism, the study applied a qualitative approach using case study design. Data were collected from 188 respondents who included government officials, military personnel, policy analysts, civil society representatives and members of the public. The data collection instruments used were questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used. The study identified barriers to effective participation which included institutional capacity constraints, information asymmetries and political culture factors. The findings also indicated that despite the existence of stakeholder mechanisms in theory, in practice they are weak, symbolic and dominated by executive actors. The study proposed a comprehensive stakeholder engagement framework that incorporates multi-tiered consultation processes, enhanced information sharing mechanisms and strengthened institutional capacity for public participation. This framework would address the need for balancing security imperatives with democratic accountability while ensuring meaningful stakeholder engagement in foreign policy formulation.
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