Kenya's Foreign Service and Export Trade Promotion

About the Book

The book has developed an interesting informative investigation of a contemporary issue in the field of international studies. The expansion of the influence and the direct efforts put forth by Foreign Service agencies to increase trade and overall economic activities for their respective countries is underscored. The globalised market place of the 21st century necessitates increased attention to trade and economic activities between countries.

The research provides an appropriate mixture of theory and practical information as it pertains to the subject area of export promotion in Kenya.The combination of primary and secondary data adds to the credibility and utility of research.

The research results are analysed in a simple narrative fashion through a number of proffessionally developed colourful charts, tables and graphs.

Specific Kenyan export activities are discussed along with activities of several other countries. Export Promotion policies vis a vis import substitution policies are discussed. Challenges facing Kenya in the export promotion efforts are examined and discussed with recommendations on how they should be addressed.

The book examines the nature of Kenya's Foreign Service in export trade promotion and the structure of Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The research indicates that Kenya has not kept pace with changes in international trade activities. However, the establishment of Foreign Service Institute is commended as an excellent idea. Decentralisation of powers from Ministry Headquaters to Missions is suggested as a means to reduce bureaucratic delays and missed opportunites abroad.

The book renders fact-based conclusions that are supported by primary and secondary data. Further, they are supported by bibliography that is extensive and germane to the topic area.

The book is recommended for Foreign Service Officers, institutions of higher learning dealing with contemporary issues of International Relations, International Economics, Export trade promotion Agencies, business communities and general public.

About the Author

Dr. Abel Kenyoru is an experienced Government Economist and Diplomat for 28 years. He retired in December 2007 as a Chief Economist/Deputy High Commissioner in London.

He received his BA Honours degree in Economics from Aligarh Muslim University in India in 1980 and was employed as an Assistant Economist with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning in 1981. In 1982 he was offered Government scholarship through USID under Semi Arid and Arid Lands Programme in Kenya to study for a Masters Degree in United States of America at Vanderbilt University. He graduated with an MA in Economics in 1984 and worked as a District Development Officer in Baringo Kajiado and Kiambu Districts. In 1992 he was promoted to be Provincial Planning Officer, Rift Valley Province before he was transfered to Ministry of Planning and National Development in 1997. He worked in several Ministries including Attorney General's Office, Finance and Planning and Foreign Affairs. In 2005 he was posted to Kenya High Commission, London as a Deputy to the High Commissioner.

In addition to his Masters Degree in Economics he has an MA in Diplomatic Studies from the Diplomatic Academy of London, University of Westminster and a PhD in International Studies and Diplomacy from Washington International University.

He has attended Management and Professional Courses in Kenya Institute of Administration, Bradford University (UK) and National Defence College of Kenya (NDC).

He was born in 1953 and received his primary education at Sameta, Buyonge and Kebere Primary Schools. He joined Gesusu Secondary School in 1970 and then transfered to Kabarnet High School in the following year. He sat for his 'O' levels in 1973 and 'A' levels in 1975.

He has published articles in Kenya newspapers and National Defence College Journal.