Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has affirmed that Kenya must position itself as a proactive and influential player in the global arena.
Mudavadi, who is also the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, explained that Kenya should be capable of navigating emerging geopolitical challenges and fostering strategic international partnerships.
He emphasised the importance of refining Kenya's foreign policy framework, ensuring that it aligns with the country's national and global interests.
"At a time when the world is facing a new order and beginning to look inwards, we must have a pragmatic and forward-looking foreign policy that will help the country,” he said.
Mudavadi made the remarks when he addressed members of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations and other senior government officials at the opening of a retreat on Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025 on Foreign Policy of Republic of Kenya.
Mudavadi highlighted that the recently launched Kenya Diaspora Policy 2024 plays a vital role in operationalising the aspirations outlined in the Kenya Foreign Policy 2024.
He assured attendees that the Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu, would delve into these issues in more detail in the next session, indicating a deeper exploration of the synergies between domestic and international efforts.
At the heart of the Sessional Paper is a bold call for Parliament to approve and adopt the framework’s contents and recommendations.
Mudavadi underscored the importance of adopting a holistic approach to financing the implementation of foreign policy, optimising Kenya’s assets abroad, and enhancing the capabilities of the foreign service staff.
"The core of these requests is the goal of promoting a holistic approach to financing our Foreign Policy implementation, maximising effective utilisation of Kenya’s assets abroad, and bolstering the foreign service staff through improved terms of service and a structured process of professional recruitment and deployment," he stated.
Mudavadi emphasised that the country's foreign policy must be adaptive to the rapidly changing world order.
"We have to be prepared for the emerging geopolitical transformation, which is creating serious challenges, including a new scramble for Africa and the subsequent resurgence of the Cold War," he warned, referring to the shifting dynamics of international relations.
He noted that the world is increasingly characterised by multi-polarity, protectionism, and transactional diplomacy, necessitating a strategic and robust response from Kenya.
The Kenya’s Foreign Policy framework seeks to advance Kenya’s efforts to protect and promote the welfare of its citizens abroad, deepen its strategic partnerships, boost trade and investment, and promote regional stability while reinforcing its position as a key player on the global stage.
The Sessional Paper, which follows the launch of Kenya’s Foreign Policy in December 2024, serves as a strategy document for parliamentary scrutiny and debate.
