The new leadership in Kenya is unlikely to change the foreign and economic polices of the East Africa economic power house–analysts have noted.
They say Uhuru Kenyatta’s team will likely usher in renewed emphasis on strengthening ties with the world’s newest economic powerhouses.
President Uhuru who served in retired President Mwai Kibaki’s cabinet as finance minister, is unlikely to overhaul economic policies, but would be looking to enhance trade ties with East African neighbours.
International Relations expert Professor Munene Macharia says, “economic policy is likely to emphasize more on the policies that will lead to wealth creation so that the country can share resources out among all citizens of Kenya.”
“The primary focus for Kenyatta’s government will be to strengthen its ties with the East African Community (EAC) member states. As close neighbours, Kenya deals with them more closely compared to the rest of the world,” Macharia noted.
The analyst said he expects the international community especially the United States and the European Union to adopt “a cautious” diplomatic approach to Kenya because Kenyatta and the deputy president elect William Ruto are accused at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for being most responsible for the post election violence of 2007/08 that killed more than 1,300 people and displaced.
Macharia said, “Kenyatta’s vote is an indication that Kenya is not a banana republic. It shows Kenyans can make independent decisions.”
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