UK foreign aid programme in Uganda and Kenya

: Is there justification for a new regulatory approach?

Abstract

This PhD thesis presents a comprehensive evaluation of the United Kingdom’s foreign aid program, with a particular focus on its impact and regulatory framework in East Africa, specifically in Uganda and Kenya. The research is structured into seven chapters, each contributing to a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding foreign aid, its historical context, and the legislative structures that govern it.

The first chapter sets the stage by exploring the historical context of foreign aid in the UK, detailing its regulatory structure, the recipient countries, and the methodologies employed in the research. It critically assesses the deficiencies in the UK’s regulatory framework, highlighting notable scandals that have arisen from these shortcomings. The chapter provides a balanced analysis of the positive and negative impacts of foreign aid on African economies, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line. It discusses the motivations behind foreign aid programs initiated by industrialised nations, particularly the UK, and examines the factors influencing the allocation of aid to various African countries. Additionally, the chapter draws comparisons with the foreign assistance rules of other major donor countries, such as the United States and Germany, to identify potential lessons for improving the UK’s foreign aid legislation.

Chapter two introduces the theoretical framework that underpins the investigation, establishing the theoretical assumptions necessary for understanding the broader context of foreign aid. This chapter delves into the historical and political dimensions of foreign aid, providing a critical examination of scholarly sources to enrich the reader’s understanding of the subject matter.

The third chapter offers an exhaustive analysis of the legislative structure governing foreign aid regulation. It presents a thorough legal analysis, exploring various regulatory methods through a combination of legal and policy research. This chapter also investigates the institutional regulations enforced by entities such as the World Bank and addresses the challenges associated with the regulation of international aid.

In chapter four, the focus shifts to aid beneficiaries in East Africa, particularly Uganda and Kenya. The research employs case studies to meticulously examine the governance of foreign aid and its effectiveness in these countries. This chapter aims to provide a detailed portrayal of the specific circumstances surrounding foreign aid in the region, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.

Chapter five presents an analysis of the findings and recommendations derived from the research. It highlights the troubling increase in cases of aid misuse in the case study countries, primarily attributed to inadequate monitoring and a lack of conditionality regarding the use of aid. In chapter six, the recommendations are assessed, and alternative measures that the UK can implement to improve the monitoring of its foreign aid are explored. This chapter examines the regulatory methods employed by the IMF, World Bank, the US, and Germany, seeking relevant lessons that could inform UK practices.

The concluding chapter synthesises the findings of the study, reflecting on the implications of the research and emphasizing the need for further investigation into the effectiveness of foreign aid and the legislation governing it. It advocates for a reform of UK law to enhance the capacity for monitoring aid misuse, proposing the adoption of a Comply or Explain approach to strengthen accountability and improve the effectiveness of foreign aid in the region.

Overall, this thesis not only critiques the current state of the UK’s foreign aid program but also offers a roadmap for reform, aiming to enhance the efficacy of aid in East Africa. By drawing on comparative analyses with other donor countries and proposing actionable solutions, the research contributes to the ongoing discourse on foreign aid effectiveness and accountability, ultimately seeking to improve the lives of those in need in the recipient countries. Future research directions are suggested, including the exploration of additional donor countries from diverse continents and a broader range of African nations, to further enrich the understanding of foreign aid dynamics.

Date of Award	2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Canterbury Christ Church University