Branding Kenya: Identity and Image

The writing of Branding Kenya: Identity and Image was necessitated by the need to demystify the argument that nation branding is a recent phenomenon in Africa. The book illustrates that the practice and concept of nation branding are not new in Kenya, as the country has historically positioned and promoted itself through policies, currencies, anthems, names and symbols. The author traces the history of nation branding in Kenya by looking at the evolution of the Brand Kenya Board to the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA). It further delves into different approaches that have been used to rebrand Kenya, including nation branding campaigns (‘+254 Tuko na Plus Kibao’ and ‘Nitakuwepo’), Mega events such as the International Sports competition (Kenya House in the 2012 London Olympics) and visit by the president from a foreign country (former US President, Barack Obama in Kenya). Dr Nasubo further reveals how these nation branding strategies have been used to construct Kenya’s national identity while simultaneously communicating the country’s image internally and externally.