Kenya’s global engagement is delivering economic gains, says Mudavadi

Kenya's foreign affairs minister Musalia Mudavadi has championed the nation's diplomatic expansion, claiming it is generating economic benefits. Speaking at a parliamentary retreat, Mudavadi outlined the government's successes since 2022. These include increased high-level diplomatic engagements, new partnerships and efforts to position Kenya as a regional hub.

The government's foreign policy is grounded in principles of unity, inclusivity, reduced ethnic conflict and national stability. The recent broad-based government was created to promote equitable development. Mudavadi also credited high-profile visits and participation in international forums for bolstering Kenya's global standing.

Since 2022, Kenya has held 145 diplomatic engagements, signed 297 bilateral agreements and hosted or attended 52 major international conferences. Key achievements include Kenya's status as the first sub-Saharan African country to become a Major Non-NATO Ally, and partnerships with China and the United Arab Emirates. Diplomacy is now being utilized to promote economic interests, with embassies acting as trade and investment hubs.

Kenya has also hosted major international events, attracting €23 billion in investment commitments. The government is focusing on emerging areas like the blue economy, climate change and innovation partnerships. The Foreign Policy 2024 framework emphasizes these areas and includes initiatives for sustainable foreign service financing.

Kenya's diaspora has been actively engaged, with over 580,000 Kenyans placed in overseas jobs and over 5,292 evacuated or repatriated. Major partners include China, the United States, Egypt, the UAE, Malaysia and others, with bilateral agreements covering various sectors. Mudavadi emphasized the need to ensure these partnerships deliver tangible economic benefits.