Trends in Kenya-Turkey Diplomatic Relations under Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, 2003-2022

This study explored Trends in Kenya-Turkey diplomatic relations under Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta between 2003 and 2022. This study was anchored on two theories; realism and neo-liberalism. This study employed a historical research design that was purely qualitative. The target population for the study included officials and persons with information about Kenya-Turkey diplomatic relations, such as officials in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Turkish Embassy staff in Nairobi, and experts in international relations and diplomacy. This study employed both primary and secondary sources of data collection. The study employed purposive and snow balling sampling methods to sample 100 informants for field interviews. The research instruments used were Key Informant Interviews (KII). Data collected was interpreted and analyzed qualitatively. Thematic analysis were used as a systematic way in analyzing qualitative data. The method entailed the verbatim recording of the recorded interviews that were transcribed to produce a comprehensive textual data that was further divided into themes that reflected the generalities of the study. The study observed that between 2003 and 2022, Kenya–Turkey relations evolved through continuity and strategic adaptation under Presidents Kibaki and Kenyatta. Under Kibaki, ties grew via trade, infrastructure, education, culture, and health, enhancing human capital and maternal-child health. Under Kenyatta, the partnership deepened across politics, economy, culture, health, and security, supported by investments in infrastructure, manufacturing and SEZs. Trade remained asymmetric, while educational, medical, and security initiatives strengthened development and regional stability. The study recommends enhancing diplomatic, trade, security, and technical cooperation.

Diplomacy; Diplomatic Immunity; Bilateral Relations; Multilateral Relations

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