Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is set to represent Kenya at the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, from October 21 to 26, 2024. As one of Kenya’s top government officials, Mudavadi will focus on a range of critical national and global issues, including gender equality, renewable energy, education, youth empowerment, healthcare, and international cooperation. His participation at the summit underscores Kenya’s growing role as a leader in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. This article explores the key themes of Mudavadi’s agenda at the meeting and how they reflect Kenya’s progress in sustainable development, gender inclusion, and global partnerships.
Gender Equality and Kenya’s Progress on Gender-Based Violence
A primary focus of Mudavadi’s agenda at CHOGM will be Kenya’s commitment to the Commonwealth Declaration on Gender Equality (2021–2030). The declaration sets a framework for member states to close gender gaps across political, economic, and social spheres, and Kenya has made significant strides in this area.
Mudavadi is expected to highlight the country’s progress in addressing gender-based violence (GBV), a longstanding issue that affects millions worldwide. In recent years, Kenya has enacted stringent laws and policies aimed at reducing GBV, such as the Sexual Offences Act and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act. These legal frameworks, combined with a national action plan, have helped reduce cases of violence and increased public awareness about women’s rights.
Further, Mudavadi will discuss initiatives that empower women economically and politically. One notable policy is Kenya’s commitment to closing the gender pay gap. Although disparities still exist, the Kenyan government has been pushing for transparent wage reporting, women’s access to education, and labor market inclusion. Programs like the Women Enterprise Fund and the Uwezo Fund have been instrumental in helping women launch businesses, access loans, and strengthen their financial independence.
The National Disability Policy: Enhancing Inclusivity
A groundbreaking aspect of Kenya’s inclusivity agenda is the newly developed National Disability Policy, which Mudavadi will unveil at the summit. The policy represents a monumental step toward promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all facets of life, including education, employment, and political participation.
Kenya’s government has already made significant efforts in this regard, with initiatives like the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), which oversees the implementation of disability-friendly policies. However, the new disability policy is expected to streamline efforts by ensuring that individuals with disabilities are not only protected but also empowered to fully participate in society. The policy also aims to create more job opportunities for persons with disabilities, offer better access to public services, and ensure that they are represented in political decision-making processes.
Mudavadi’s discussion on the disability policy will send a strong message to the global community about Kenya’s commitment to human rights and the empowerment of marginalized groups, reinforcing the country’s dedication to inclusivity and equality for all.
Education and Youth Empowerment: A Path to Growth and Peace
Mudavadi’s address will also focus on Kenya’s prioritization of education as a transformative tool for national development and peace-building. He will highlight Kenya’s efforts to leverage education not only for economic growth but also for fostering innovation, nurturing leadership, and cultivating a culture of peace among the youth.
Kenya has been widely recognized for its efforts to increase access to education, especially through the free primary education policy implemented in 2003, which has significantly raised enrollment levels across the country. Additionally, the government has placed emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which equips young people with practical skills necessary for the job market.
At the summit, Mudavadi will call for increased investments in education, aligning it with modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). Kenya has already started integrating AI into various sectors, including healthcare, where AI-driven diagnostic tools are used to combat diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis. By emphasizing these technological advancements, Mudavadi will highlight how Kenya is harnessing technology to modernize its education system and create future-ready graduates capable of thriving in the global digital economy.
Kenya’s Leadership in Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability
One of the key highlights of Mudavadi’s address will be Kenya’s global leadership in renewable energy. He is expected to present Kenya as a model for sustainable development, particularly through its impressive strides in green energy production.
Kenya derives nearly 90% of its electricity from renewable sources, including geothermal, hydroelectric, and wind energy. This makes the country one of the world leaders in renewable energy usage. Mudavadi will emphasize the Kenyan government’s commitment to expanding these energy sources and transitioning to a fully sustainable energy economy in the coming decades.
Further, Mudavadi will discuss Kenya’s ambitious environmental strategy—which includes plans to plant 10 billion trees by 2032—as part of the country’s fight against deforestation and climate change. This effort is aligned with the global goals set in the Paris Agreement, under which Kenya has committed to reducing its carbon emissions and adopting climate-resilient economic practices. Mudavadi’s address will therefore position Kenya as a key player in global efforts to mitigate climate change and protect natural ecosystems.
International Cooperation and Raila Odinga’s Bid for African Union Leadership
Mudavadi is expected to use the CHOGM platform to lobby support from African leaders for Raila Odinga’s bid to become the next Chair of the African Union (AU) Commission. Odinga, a prominent figure in African politics and the current AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development, is vying for the top role, which would place him at the helm of the continent’s leadership.
Mudavadi’s efforts to rally backing for Odinga highlight Kenya’s broader diplomatic strategy of playing a significant role in regional politics. As a leader known for his vision of African integration and infrastructure development, Odinga’s chairmanship of the AU Commission would likely bring more focus to projects like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and cross-border infrastructural connectivity.
IDA Replenishment and Support for Global Development
Another critical agenda item Mudavadi will address is Kenya’s call for Increased Contributions to the International Development Association (IDA). The IDA, a global development fund managed by the World Bank, plays a crucial role in providing financial aid to low-income countries. Kenya is advocating for IDA donor countries in the Commonwealth to raise their contributions to USD 120 million during the 21st IDA Replenishment Cycle in 2024. This funding is essential for addressing poverty, inequality, and climate resilience in developing nations.
Mudavadi will emphasize the importance of continued global financial cooperation and solidarity, particularly in light of economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. By pushing for greater IDA contributions, Kenya seeks to ensure that the most vulnerable countries in the Commonwealth receive adequate resources to recover and build back better.
Conclusion
Musalia Mudavadi’s participation in the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa is a testament to Kenya’s growing role on the global stage. His focus on gender equality, inclusivity for persons with disabilities, youth empowerment, renewable energy, and international cooperation showcases Kenya’s commitment to sustainable development and human rights. Additionally, Mudavadi’s efforts to lobby for Raila Odinga’s AU leadership bid and increased IDA contributions demonstrate Kenya’s diplomatic prowess in fostering regional and global partnerships.
As the world faces unprecedented challenges—from climate change to economic inequality—Kenya’s proactive approach, as outlined by Mudavadi, serves as a beacon of hope and a model for sustainable progress in the 21st century.
