Assessing the influence of Kenya’s space exploration on its foreign policy dynamics with the united states

Abstract

Historically, the space race has been dominated by USA, Russia and China, with the African continent venturing in recently. Studies have focused on space exploration and its importance leaving out the aspect of policies and how it influences them. Kenya, formed its own Kenya Space Agency (KSA) to spearhead the process. This has shaped foreign policies adopted and the nature of relationships. This study investigated the influence of Kenya’s space exploration on its foreign policy dynamics with the United States. It was guided by the following objectives: investigate the impact of space exploration in shaping the Kenya and USA foreign policy, examine the role and influence of USA in Kenya’s space exploration race and how it has affected foreign policy, analyze the scope of Kenya USA foreign policy in space exploration and the impacts it has on both countries and evaluate the benefits of Kenya USA relations in space exploration. The research adopted a correlational method of study to fully examine the relationship between the countries, borrowing from the systems theory and grounded theory. The target population was individuals working in the space industry, foreign affairs department and diplomats, with a sample size of 200 people. The study adopted stratified random sampling procedures. The main instruments of data collection were questionnaires, online sources and past publications. The pie charts and bar graphs were used to present the data collected. A pilot study was carried out to ascertain the effectiveness of the study. The research established that Kenya benefits through technological exchanges, international cooperation, educational and scientific exchanges. Security agencies benefit through Enhanced Earth Observation, Intelligence Gathering, Improved Communication and Navigation Systems and Space Situational Awareness. The study established gaps with most people not aware of the institutional collaboration as well as the role in the country’s growth and wellbeing globally. The government should fully exploit the research opportunities, technological transfer and economic benefits through partnerships to ensure maximum benefits.