ABSTRACT
The epistemological debate surrounding Kenya’s foreign policy and foreign policy behaviour dates back to its independence in 1963 when the country acquired its sovereignty in terms of international law, with rights and duties as well as the capacity to enter into and assume international obligations in international relations. The country’s foreign policy establishment pursues its economic and political interests, as well as stability within the parameters of the East African Community. The introduction broadly outlines the key issues associated with Kenya’s foreign policy and foreign policy interests. The debate surrounding Kenya’s direct military involvement in Somalia centre around a number of the country’s foreign policy interests. President Siad Barre was conscious of Kenya’s long-term foreign policy interests regarding the preservation of its territorial boundaries acquired at the time of independence. In the view of the country’s foreign policy establishment, the state was threatened by the vicissitude of al-Shabaab’s frequent incursions into Kenya’s territory.
