The review of Kenya’s foreign policy is progressing well, with a comprehensive process in place, culminating in a Sessional Paper that will be presented to Parliament for adoption, according to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. As the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Mudavadi emphasized that the ongoing review would involve broad consultations with political, social, and economic stakeholders, ensuring the final policy reflects the interests of all Kenyans.
“We aim to navigate the new Kenya foreign policy from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to the public, ensuring it is owned by all Kenyans,” Mudavadi stated. This process will require strong collaboration between the Ministry and Parliament, which plays a crucial role in representing the people’s interests.
Mudavadi stressed that many amendments to the 2014 Kenya Foreign Policy will be guided by parliamentary input, ensuring the document aligns with the aspirations of Kenyans for the future. “We cannot leave this process hanging,” he remarked, highlighting the need for Parliament’s involvement in ratifying the final draft.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion on the policy review with the Council of Governors in Nairobi, Mudavadi highlighted the importance of stakeholder partnerships in enriching the current policy document. He noted that Kenya’s foreign policy must reflect a holistic approach, ensuring that the nation’s interests are at the forefront while engaging in mutually beneficial international partnerships.
“Kenya’s interests must come first, and we need to navigate partnerships that align with our nation’s goals,” he said. Mudavadi also underscored the importance of county governments in shaping and advancing Kenya’s foreign policy, particularly in fostering economic diplomacy. “County governments are invaluable partners in this process, and together we will strengthen international relationships that promote trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange,” he added.
The Prime CS emphasized that counties play a key role in Kenya’s Economic and Commercial Diplomacy, which is vital for the country’s prosperity. By leveraging Kenya’s strategic location, counties can attract investments and promote trade in both traditional and emerging markets.
The Council of Governors, represented by Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, voiced their commitment to partnering with the Ministry to shape a forward-looking foreign policy. They noted that a strong foreign policy requires inclusivity, with diverse perspectives enriching diplomatic efforts and enabling Kenya to present a united front on the global stage.
“County governments are at the heart of economic development and can support Kenya’s foreign policy through economic diplomacy, fostering international partnerships that drive investment and job creation,” the Council stated. They also emphasized the role counties can play in Kenya’s climate diplomacy efforts, contributing to local innovations and promoting green investments in line with global environmental commitments.
The review process aims to amend and expand the 2014 Kenya Foreign Policy, which focused on peace, economic, environmental, diaspora, and cultural diplomacy. The updated policy will address emerging issues such as global health, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), space diplomacy, and digital diplomacy.
To date, the Ministry has engaged a range of stakeholders, including foreign diplomats, global health representatives, the maritime and blue economy sector, peace and security experts, the academic community, the media, and civil society organizations. Upcoming consultations will include youth and student representatives, the Judiciary, Public Service, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, Parliament, faith-based organizations, and a final session with the President before the policy launch in early December.
