Parliament's Role in Foreign Policy Formulation, A Comparative Study

A brief definition of foreign policy can be given as the sum of official external relations conducted by an independent actor, usually a state in international relations. Foreign policy is also seen as attempts by governments to influence or manage events outside the states boundaries. Foreign policy is constituted by two fundamental elements: the objectives of a state and the means required for their accomplishment. This book has examined the role of parliament in general as is outlined in the constitution of any state and analyzed whether the Legislature as the elected arm of government has a role in the process of foreign policy formulation and how it has executed this role. Although the study is on the Kenyan Parliament, it has also analyzed other Parliaments or their equivalent across the world for a comparative understanding. Legislation by Parliament in Kenya began about a century ago. Previously, it had wholly been done in the United Kingdom conveyed Orders-in-Council. The Kenyan Parliaments voice has become more and more vocal over the years. This study concentrates on the period after 1999 because it was the start of a relatively democratic parliament.

Caroline W. Gichohi is currently a lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences at Karatina University. She has an M.A. in Diplomacy and a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology both from the University of Nairobi. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in International Relations. She has authored several papers and sits in various committees.