Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has emphasized the importance of Kenya’s new Foreign Policy 2024 aligning with the principles of integrity, national interests, and the evolving dynamics of global diplomacy. Speaking during a public validation forum at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Mudavadi reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the policy would be both forward-looking and reflective of the aspirations of Kenyans.
Mudavadi, who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, made it clear that Kenya’s foreign policy would not be subject to frequent changes or inconsistency. He underscored that this new foreign policy would be a “fit-for-purpose document” that would guide the nation in its international relations and engagements.
“We have decided to break from the past and be forward-looking as we take the foreign policy to the people to ensure we move along with Kenyans in our diplomatic engagements,” Mudavadi stated. The goal, he explained, is to ensure a unified approach in the nation’s foreign affairs, aligning diplomatic efforts with the common goals of the citizens.
The ongoing process of refining the policy has involved extensive consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including government ministries, civil society organizations, media representatives, academicians, ambassadors, the judiciary, Parliament, and even youth groups. These consultations were designed to create a broad-based and inclusive process, with the aim of ensuring that the final document reflects the interests, values, and views of the citizens.
Mudavadi emphasized that public participation is central to the policy development process, stating that the Constitution of Kenya enshrines public participation as a fundamental principle of democratic governance. He argued that the true value of a foreign policy lies in its ability to mirror the aspirations of the people, and that this must be achieved through an all-encompassing societal approach. “The ultimate good of a country’s foreign policy lies within the aspirations of its citizens,” he said.
He further noted that Kenya’s Foreign Policy 2024 will be pivotal in redefining the country’s position on the international stage. As Kenya continues to face complex global challenges and opportunities, the revised policy will be instrumental in enhancing the nation’s role and influence. Mudavadi highlighted that the policy would be critical in shaping diplomatic ties and in securing national interests through clear, strategic, and principled actions on the global stage.
The validation exercise held at KICC was a crucial part of the broader public consultation process. It allowed citizens and stakeholders to provide their final inputs before the policy is presented at a high-level retreat with President William Ruto, expected to take place before the official launch of the policy in early December.
Mudavadi stressed the importance of making the foreign policy more accessible and relevant to Kenyans. He posed an important question: “How can we utilise our foreign policy to inculcate in our people patriotism and a fervent desire to positively project our country’s image in the international arena?” This reflects the government’s ambition to foster a deeper sense of national pride and ownership in Kenya’s international relations.
Another significant aspect of the policy, as highlighted by Mudavadi, is the need for a mechanism that bridges the gap between the country’s foreign policy and the public’s understanding of international affairs. There has often been a disconnect between foreign policy decisions and the awareness or engagement of ordinary citizens in these matters. The new policy seeks to create a platform where the Kenyan people are not just passive recipients of foreign policy decisions but active participants in shaping them.
The Foreign Policy 2024 comes at a time when Kenya is looking to expand its influence, deepen diplomatic ties, and improve its image on the world stage. By involving the public in the policy development process, the government hopes to ensure that the policy is not only relevant and sustainable but also reflective of the collective will of the people.
As the policy moves toward its final stages of development, the hope is that it will be a document that can guide Kenya’s diplomatic relations and help strengthen its place in the global arena while promoting national unity and patriotism among its citizens.
