Kenya’s Public Diplomatic Initiatives in Enhancing Peaceful Co-Existence among Ethnic Somalis in Bur Ache, Somalia and Mandera County, Kenya

This study investigated Kenya’s public diplomatic initiatives in enhancing peaceful co-existence among ethnic Somalis in Bur Ache, Somalia and Mandera County, Kenya. The strategies, achievements and challenges to Kenya public diplomatic initiatives in Bur Ache were examined. This study was informed by two complementary theories namely; Realism and Liberalism. Anchored on realism and liberalism this study considered public diplomacy in the context of broader social relations emphasizing that both states interests that are not necessarily pursued through the use of force, can still be achieved through the use soft power to influence foreign publics. This study employed both primary and secondary sources of data collection. A total of 380 respondents were selected for field interviews. Questionnaires were distributed to 360 residents, 180 each from Bur Ache and Mandera who were selected through random probability sampling. Interview schedules were administered to 20 purposively selected respondents who included; Diplomats, Officials of International NGOs, Clan elders and Muslim Clergy. Data collected was analyzed and interpreted quantitatively and qualitatively. The study found out that the Kenya Government has put in place effective public diplomatic strategies to enhance peaceful co-existence among ethnic Somalis in Bur Ache Region and Mandera County. It was also observed that the Kenya Government has made great achievements in its public diplomatic efforts in enhancing peaceful co-existence among ethnic Somalis in Bur Ache Region and Mandera County. Furthermore, it was noted that here exist a number of challenges faced by the Government of Kenya in its public diplomatic efforts in enhancing peaceful co-existence among ethnic Somalis in Bur Ache Region and Mandera County. This study recommended that additional efforts should be made by government through public diplomacy to increase pursuance of Kenya’s Foreign Policy in the Bur Ache Region. Additionally, the government of Kenya should come up with strategies to mitigate challenges faced by public diplomacy towards residents of Bur Ache.