Kenya to Revise Foreign Policy with Input from All Stakeholders- Says Mudavadi

Kenya is embarking on a major overhaul of its Foreign Policy to ensure it remains relevant to the evolving global landscape and addresses both traditional and emerging issues. Acting Interior Cs Musalia Mudavadi, who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, has announced that the process will involve comprehensive consultations with various stakeholders across the political, social, and economic spheres. This initiative aims to create a foreign policy document that is truly owned by all Kenyans.

Speaking at a roundtable discussion with the Council of Governors in Nairobi, Mudavadi emphasized that the review of Kenya’s foreign policy is a broad-based consultation effort, with the final product reflecting the aspirations of all citizens. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and Parliament, which will play a crucial role in the policy’s development.

“We want to ensure that we navigate the new Kenya foreign policy from the corridors of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to the public. We are looking towards getting a policy paper owned by Kenyans,” Mudavadi stated. He added that the participation of Parliament is indispensable in shaping the final document, underscoring the need for parliamentary input as the policy is amended to reflect Kenya’s future aspirations.

The review process is guided by the need to amend the 2014 Kenya Foreign Policy, which focused on key areas such as peace diplomacy, economic diplomacy, environmental diplomacy, diaspora diplomacy, and cultural diplomacy. However, the world has changed dramatically since then, with new issues such as global health, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), space diplomacy, and digital diplomacy now requiring consideration.

Mudavadi pointed out that foreign policy is a dynamic function of the national government that impacts every citizen. Thus, it is essential for the policy to incorporate input from all sectors, including county governments, which are critical players in advancing Kenya’s economic and diplomatic interests. The roundtable discussion was a key moment in ensuring that counties are included in the broader national agenda, with local governments poised to support economic diplomacy through fostering international trade and investment.

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“County Governments are invaluable partners in the ongoing review process. Together, we aim to fortify international partnerships that attract investment, boost tourism, and promote cultural exchange, among other mutually beneficial initiatives,” Mudavadi said. He stressed that economic and commercial diplomacy is vital for the country’s prosperity, and counties, given their strategic locations and roles in driving economic development, are positioned to enhance Kenya’s influence on the international stage.

The Council of Governors, represented by Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi on behalf of the CoG Vice Chair, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, expressed their commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. They acknowledged that a successful foreign policy requires the contributions of diverse actors, including county governments, to ensure Kenya presents a unified front internationally.

“The voices and perspectives of diverse actors enrich diplomatic efforts, allowing Kenya to present a united front,” the CoG statement read. County governments, being at the heart of economic development, are seen as crucial partners in promoting Kenya’s foreign policy objectives, particularly through economic diplomacy. The CoG highlighted the potential of counties to foster international partnerships that could lead to greater investment and job creation, thereby supporting the national economy.

In addition, the CoG underscored the role of county governments in Kenya’s climate diplomacy efforts, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Counties are expected to contribute by sharing local innovations, attracting green investments, and adhering to international environmental standards that align with Kenya’s global commitments.

The review process is set to include a wide range of consultations with various stakeholders, including foreign ambassadors, global health sector representatives, maritime and blue economy stakeholders, and civil society groups. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs plans to meet with youth and student representatives, the Judiciary, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, and Parliament later in the month. A session with the President is also planned ahead of the policy launch, which is scheduled for early December.

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As Kenya revises its foreign policy to address new global challenges and opportunities, the inclusion of diverse voices will be essential to ensure the policy is comprehensive and reflective of the country’s needs and ambitions. The collaborative approach being taken by the government promises to strengthen Kenya’s international partnerships, foster economic growth, and position the country as a key player in the global arena.