Kenya is set to undergo a comprehensive review of its foreign policy to redefine its global role. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced that a sessional paper is being prepared for Parliament, aiming to clarify Kenya’s foreign policy and address funding needs within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During his visit to the Kenyan Embassy in Bujumbura, Burundi, Mudavadi, who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, highlighted the importance of engaging Parliament to ensure adequate resource allocation. He acknowledged that misunderstandings exist about Kenya’s foreign policy, and the sessional paper will work to correct these misconceptions while advocating for a budget that aligns with the Ministry’s needs, including support for Kenyans employed in diplomatic missions.
“Through our discussions with Parliament, we’ve noticed some misconceptions around Kenya’s foreign policy. This sessional paper will address these misunderstandings and help secure a budget that meets the Ministry’s requirements, including the welfare of Kenyans working in diplomatic missions,” Mudavadi stated.
Mudavadi also addressed the public view that working in foreign missions is easy, stressing that embassy staff face real challenges and play a crucial role in advancing Kenya’s foreign interests.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary highlighted concerns voiced by Kenyan youth during recent protests, particularly about the President’s frequent international trips. He clarified that diplomatic engagements are vital for economic growth, as countries with a focus on diplomacy benefit from foreign investments and stronger international ties.
Once presented in Parliament, the sessional paper is expected to improve understanding of Kenya’s foreign engagements and secure additional resources to bolster Kenya's diplomatic influence worldwide. Mudavadi was joined by PS for Trade Alfred K’Ombudo and PS for Tourism John Ololtuaa on this visit.
PS K’Ombudo stressed the importance of leveraging Kenya’s strategic assets effectively, saying, “We need to strengthen our bilateral and multilateral support to ensure that Kenya maximizes its economic potential through international partnerships.”
PS Ololtuaa, on his part, emphasized enhancing the tourism sector through diplomatic channels, noting, “By leveraging our relationships with other countries, we can significantly boost Kenya’s visibility, attract more tourists, and drive economic growth.”
Mudavadi also underscored the importance of identifying areas where Kenyan expertise is sought after globally, which would improve Kenya’s international standing and foster economic growth.
Kenya’s initial foreign policy, adopted in 2014, centers on five pillars: peace diplomacy, economic diplomacy, diaspora diplomacy, environmental diplomacy, and cultural diplomacy. These pillars aim to foster regional stability, strengthen economic partnerships, promote Kenya’s global influence, and safeguard the interests of Kenyans abroad. The ongoing review seeks to reinforce these foundational elements and adapt to new global challenges.
