Abstract |
This research project was carried out to establish the role of Kenya’s diplomatic missions of commercial diplomacy in facilitating international business at the Kenya High Commissions abroad. Commercial diplomacy is a newer avenue for countries to promote international trade with friendly states. The study was therefore guided by three objectives: to examine the roles of diplomatic missions in effective economic diplomacy and economic integration; to analyze the challenges faced by diplomatic missions in facilitating commercial business; and to, apply the importance of professionalizing economic diplomacy and economic integration for maximum trade benefits. To realize the objectives of the research, the study used the theory of comparative advantage which proposes that all countries will benefit from trading with each other regardless of how well-endowed they are in labor, capital and land, and regardless of how efficiently they can produce any particular good. Data was collected by use of personal interviews with openended questions administered as well as review of academic literature and policies. The findings of the study showed that the Kenya High Commissions have facilitated international business through a number of ways such as export promotion, import promotion, international relations, advisory and consular services as well as tourism promotion. The study recommends that the Kenyan government through the Kenya High Commissions abroad should encourage professionalism, as well as reviewing current trade and economic diplomacy policies, and vie investment opportunities available in Kenya and sourcing markets for the Kenyan products both regionally and internationally. |