Silverio Omari
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has emphasized the need for Kenya’s foreign policy to adapt to emerging global issues and the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
Mudavadi highlighted that Kenya’s national interests and diplomatic priorities have evolved significantly, necessitating a review of the country’s 2014 foreign policy framework. He urged Parliament to ensure that Kenya develops a comprehensive, coherent, and relevant foreign policy for the future.
“Our collaborative efforts with Parliament in treaty ratification, budget oversight, legislative influence on foreign policy, and the vetting of key appointments like ambassadors are essential in the review process,” he stated. “This partnership is invaluable in shaping a policy that truly reflects Kenya’s aspirations and priorities.”
Mudavadi spoke at a consultative meeting with the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations in Nairobi, where he stressed that Parliament, as a representative body, should help position Kenya as a nation with a clear foreign policy that aligns with Kenyans’ aspirations.
“Parliament should help establish the core pillars of our foreign policy and determine how they can strengthen our international relationships,” he added. “Kenya seeks strong partnerships, especially in economic diplomacy. We need clear guidelines to maximize the value of these engagements. These are key questions that Parliament should help address in this review.”
He further noted that as Kenya seeks a free-market economy and aims to attract foreign direct investment, Parliament’s legislative role is crucial in shaping a policy that meets these objectives.
Mudavadi also called for a policy framework that emphasizes equitable opportunities, transparency in international engagements, and the benefits of joining regional and global alliances such as the G-20, G-7, and BRICS.
“The policy must go beyond traditional structures, tackling critical issues like the framework for diplomatic appointments, prioritizing career diplomats over political appointees, and considering the role of young diplomats,” he said. “Funding for the ministry and public expectations on its delivery are also crucial aspects to address.”
He encouraged Parliament to help make Kenya’s foreign policy more inclusive and citizen-focused, with a final document to be presented to President William Ruto by the end of the month, ahead of a December launch.
“Our foreign policy review will culminate in a sessional paper to be presented to Parliament for debate. This will achieve two goals: securing adequate funding for our missions and involving the Kenyan public in shaping our foreign policy,” he concluded.
The review seeks to expand the 2014 foreign policy, which focused on peace, economic, environmental, diaspora, and cultural diplomacy, to incorporate new global priorities like Global Health, STEM, Space Diplomacy, and Digital Diplomacy.
Dj Vnyash
