JAPAN-KENYA RELATIONSHIP, THE HUMAN SECURITY CONCEPT AND KENYA’S BIG FOUR AGENDA

Abstract

Purpose: This paper sought to explain the concept of human security as a pillar of Japan’s foreign policy and to examine the implementation of Japan’s foreign policy in its bilateral relations with Kenya specifically by provision of debt aid. In so doing, it sought to highlight Japan’s contribution to Kenya in promoting human security by providing debt aid and highlight Kenya’s own big four agenda that puts in place measures to enhance human security.

Methodology: The methodology used in this paper entails desk research using secondary sources of data and reviewing existing published scholarly works of various authors and ongoing research as well as employing an empirical study of Japan’s relationship with Kenya. Information on the Japan-Kenya relationship has been derived from various Kenya government documents from the National Treasury and Planning Ministry.

Findings: The study shows that, indeed, Japan has been a close development partner to Kenya and has, from Kenya’s independence in 1963, extended substantial foreign aid, in terms of debt, to Kenya and has contributed to promotion of human security. Second, Kenya’s vision 2030 is in line with the human security concept as encapsulated in the ‘Big Four agenda’ and Japan has an opportunity of assisting Kenya in its implementation third, Japan’s foreign policy’s implementation with emphasis on the concept of Human security has had a positive impact on Kenya’s economic development over the years as the debt given to Kenya has gone into undertaking projects that address human security..

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The realist theory argues that states are the most important actors in the international system and that world politics is driven by competitive self-interest of these states. Interest is defined in terms of power and more specifically military capabilities. This paper’s contribution to knowledge is from the review of the Japan-Kenya bilateral relations which indicates that Japan has operationalized the human security concept through extending ODA to Kenya, specifically to this study is debt aid, for projects that benefit the individual who, as an actor under the human security concept, is of significant importance. While states continue to remain the centre of focus of international relations, the concept of human security and how Japan has used it to underpin its foreign policy has generated benefits for countries such as Kenya. Policy makers of developing countries, especially in the foreign policy space, would benefit from this knowledge and pursue the beneficial aspects of human security for the benefit of their countries.