Kenya’s political stability and its commitment to regional peace initiatives have positioned it as a key player in the East African Community (EAC). By strengthening partnerships within the bloc, Kenya has sought to expand economically. These efforts are closely linked to its peace and security initiatives, as instability poses a significant challenge to economic growth in the region. Geopolitical tensions and regional instability threaten long-term cooperation and participation in the EAC. This is particularly evident as the two most recent countries admitted to the bloc are Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which have been unstable for decades.
Since the DRC's accession to the EAC in April 2022, Kenyan investments in the country have surged solidifying Kenya’s role in the Congolese economy. The DRC has the leverage to engage in strategic diplomacy that could push Kenya to use its influence within the EAC to address conflicts affecting the region. Such an approach could create a mutually beneficial dynamic—offering the DRC greater stability, ensuring Kenya's security over its investments, and opening up new economic opportunities across the region.
Amb. William Mark Bellamy will moderate this panel discussion. Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Dr. Balingene Kahombo, and Beverly Ochieng will examine Kenya’s political and economic influence in the EAC, with a specific focus on its initiatives in the DRC. The study highlights both the challenges and opportunities of Kenya’s economic initiatives in the DRC, particularly in financial sectors, and their impact on private investment and trade across the region. Research and findings can be found on CSIS Africa Program's recent report on Kenya's economic initiatives in the DRC.
To register to attend the conference, please visit: Kenya's Emergence as a Regional Power | CSIS Events.
This event is made possible by the generous support of Open Society Foundations.
