The Impact of Kenya’s Aviation Diplomacy on Multilateral Trade Relations in the Eastern Africa Region

Abstract

This study examined the impact of Kenya’s aviation diplomacy on its multilateral trade relations in the Eastern Africa region was evaluated. This study was anchored on two complementary theories namely; realism and neo-liberal institutionalism. Realist theory explains aviation diplomacy and multilateral trade relations in the East African Community (EAC) by emphasizing state-centered interests, power competition, and sovereignty. Neo-liberal institutionalism theory emphasizes the role of international institutions, norms, and cooperation in fostering peaceful and mutually beneficial relations among states within the EAC, even in an anarchic international system. This study took the form of an exploratory research design. Both secondary and primary sources of data collection were employed by this study. This study relied on simple probability and purposive sampling techniques to select a total of 140 respondents for field interviews. Simple probability sampling was used to select 50 respondents working in the aviation sector and 50 business persons operating in the Eastern African region. Purposive sampling was used to select 10 officers of the Ministry of Transport involved in aviation policy making in Kenya, 10 officers of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, 10 officials of the EAC and 10 Commercial Attaches in the Embassies of EAC member countries. The instruments of data collection included structured questionnaires and interview guides. Data collected was analyzed and interpreted both quantitatively and qualitatively. The study noted that EAC member states’ aviation policies are shaped by political, strategic, and economic interests, with influences from political regimes, economic power, and commercial goals. The study observed that air transport liberalization in the EAC lowers fares, improves services, boosts trade, and creates jobs by enhancing connectivity and economic freedom. Kenya’s aviation diplomacy has supported regional trade growth, but protectionist policies have had negative effects.