The Question of Legitimacy: Kenya's Recognition Policy of Governments under Moi during the Cold War – Eastern Africa Countries (1978-1990)

Abstract

During the 1970’s, majority of states, including Kenya followed the practice of recognizing states and not governments. In so doing, they downplayed the granting of formal recognition to new governments. Kenya’s policy, then, was clearly stated in parliament in 1971 when the then foreign affairs minister, Dr. Njoroge Mungai, was asked to comment on the Kenya government’s position on the military regime of General Idi Amin of Uganda. He stated, “Kenya could not afford to interfere with internal matters of another state nor let any state interfere with internal matters of Kenya.” However, during the Post–Cold War period, Kenya’s recognition policy underwent major transformations to include recognition of de jure governments. This study critically examines Kenya’s practice during and after the Cold War in a bid to reveal any distinct policy trends if any. The study aims to ascertain how, Kenya’s recognition policy, has largely, been formulated, articulated and exercised during Moi’s administration (1978-1990).

Evolution of Kenya’s Foreign Policy During the Cold War

“…Following the passing of Kenya's founding father and first President, Jomo Kenyatta, on August 22, 1978, Daniel Arap Moi assumed the role of the second President of the Republic of Kenya. While endeavoring to uphold the principles of the Nyayo philosophy, which his predecessor had championed, Moi exhibited a nuanced approach to Kenya's foreign policy, adapting it to the changing domestic and international landscapes (Mabeya, 2002).…”

“…In contrast to the meticulous and cautious foreign policymaking process under Kenyatta's administration, with final approval resting primarily within the confines of the State House, Moi introduced a distinctive approach. Moi's personal diplomacy and direct involvement in foreign policy management sometimes led to the sidelining of relevant institutions in foreign policy-making (Mabeya, 2002).…”

“…Additionally, Kenya's foreign policy was significantly influenced and constrained by its economic performance and internal opposition to the Moi regime. As regional dynamics shifted, particularly with resolving conflicts in Ethiopia, Kenya recognized the necessity of mediating internal conflicts in neighboring regions, such as Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, to maintain regional stability (Mabeya, 2002). Musambayi (1995) contends that Moi cherished international summits and actively articulated foreign policy statements during political rallies, a departed from his predecessor, President Kenyatta, who delegated foreign policy matters to subordinates.…”

Effect of Policy Network Legitimacy on Policy Process Outcomes in the Road Transport Sector in Nairobi City County, Kenya

“…At same time, Scholars (Marsden & Reardon, 2017;Poku-Boansi & Marsden, 2018;Zhang, Geerlings, Makhloufi & Chen, 2018) suggest further academic research on the effects of transport sector policy networks legitimacy on policy process outcomes. Mabeya (2020) posit that perceived legitimacy of political regime influence the level of public participation in policy process. The implication of this study within the Kenyan context is that increased public participation in policy process, political and policy contexts shape the legitimacy of policy networks.…”