Use of E-Government Technologies in Kenyan Foreign Affairs Diplomacy. A Critical Literature Review.

Abstract

Purpose:   Among the communication methods significant to diplomacy is signaling. Signaling in diplomacy is characterized by ambiguity that is deemed creative as well as constructive. The overall objective of this study was to examine use of E-government technologies in Kenyan foreign affairs diplomacy.

Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps.

Findings: This study concluded that that there are several studies that have explored the concept of digital diplomacy at various levels of analysis especially in the developed countries. Nonetheless, there were several gaps identified when it came to examining the concept of digital diplomacy in developing countries particularly those in the African continent. Diplomatic communication was noted to have transitioned as communication did. Some of the notable communication technologies that have influenced diplomatic communication included the telegraph, air mail, radio, television, telephone and modern-day information communication technologies.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study recommended that in addition to the efforts of further equipping the ministry with high tech digital equipment’s, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade needs to consider that digital resources toolkits should be matched with the needs of digital diplomacy. This is because certain pieces of technology are best suited in pursuant of identified foreign policy objectives. Moreover, procuring of digital resources should be matched with extensive training of the staff on how they can utilize them to achieve maximum benefits.