Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced that Kenya’s foreign policy agenda is achieving positive outcomes.
Mudavadi, who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, highlighted that President William Ruto’s administration has enhanced the country’s bilateral and multilateral relations through various diplomatic engagements.
“High-level visits, inbound and outbound, are a critical lever to facilitate meaningful dialogues aimed at enhancing relations that include; trade and investment opportunities in technology, agriculture, and infrastructure,” Mudavadi noted at a press briefing showcasing achievements from 2024.
Regarding multilateral relations, he stated that Kenya has made considerable progress in strengthening its engagement through active participation in various international organizations and forums.
“We have positioned ourselves as a leader in driving collaborative solutions to global challenges, ensuring that our voice is heard on the international stage,” he remarked.
As a result, he pointed out that Nairobi’s status as a diplomatic and multilateral hub has increased significantly, evidenced by the presence of 109 resident diplomatic missions and 148 intergovernmental and international organizations in the city.
He further emphasized Kenya’s commitment to regional and continental collaboration.
“Our active participation in the African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) made a significant contribution to the development of cross-border trade protocols,” Mudavadi stated.
According to the Foreign Affairs CS, Kenya’s leadership in these institutions has strengthened ties with neighbouring countries and advanced a shared vision for stability and prosperity through conflict resolution across the region and the continent.
“Notable highlights include the election of President Dr. William Ruto, in February 2024, to spearhead the institutional reforms at the African Union that would aid in the realization of the ‘Africa We Want’ as outlined in the agenda 2063, in addition to being the Chairman of the Committee of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC),”
“Additionally, during the recent EAC Heads of State Summit in November 2024, H.E. the President was elected Chairman of the EAC, affirming the increasing demand for Kenya’s leadership at regional, continental, and global levels,” he explained.
In recognition of Kenya’s role in the African Union, Mudavadi stated that Kenya has nominated former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for the position of African Union Commission Chairperson. This recommendation is based on his Pan-Africanist credentials, suitability, extensive networks across Africa, and demonstrated competence to lead the continent’s premier organization.
Mudavadi also revealed that Kenya’s collaboration with foreign investors has led to increased funding for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are crucial for job creation and poverty alleviation.
Regarding peace and security, he emphasized that Kenya has consistently prioritized the pursuit of peace as a fundamental driver for development.
“In the region, we have actively engaged in diplomatic efforts and peacekeeping support missions aimed at resolving conflicts and promoting dialogue among nations. Amongst these are; the ongoing Tumaini Peace Initiative which holds promise for the stability of South Sudan,” he explained.
Regarding the Haiti Mission, Mudavadi noted that Kenya is leading the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission. He announced that the country will soon deploy an additional 616 personnel to help stabilize Haiti and address the urgent challenges of violence and instability, thus contributing to the restoration of law and order.
“As a member of the community of nations, Kenya is leading the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti. The first batch of two hundred police officers arrived in June 2024. The second batch of one hundred and eighty-two (182) were deployed in July 2024, bringing the total number to 381 troops as of 28th July 2024,” he said.
Mudavadi further highlighted successful efforts regarding the engagement of the Kenyan diaspora to secure job opportunities abroad while safeguarding their rights, welfare, and ensuring dignified employment. He mentioned that Kenya has negotiated and finalised bilateral labour agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Germany, and Austria, with ongoing negotiations with the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, and Canada to facilitate job placements.
He added, “We launched the Mukulima Majuu Programme, which has enabled 2,000 young agricultural students to work on mechanized farms in the United Kingdom. Through the Mwalimu Majuu Programme, the department facilitated the recruitment and placement of 67 teachers in the United States via Placement Consultancy, a Kenyan diaspora-owned recruitment agency based in Maryland. We also established partnerships with The Ontario Fruits and Vegetable Growers Association (OFGVA) for the recruitment of seasonal workers through the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP).”
He concluded by stating that the government has successfully secured job placements for 1,733 Kenyans in the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany across various fields such as hospitality, healthcare, and agriculture.
