By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has on 30th July 2024 officiated the opening of the Review of Kenya’s Foreign Policy 2014 Colloquium.
The colloquium, reflecting on Kenya’s Foreign Policy 2014, brings together experts in international relations to review and enrich the Kenya foreign policy document.
The PCS said that the review process aims at making Foreign Policy an all-inclusive policy that prioritizes national interests as well as advances Kenya’s role on the global stage.
According to the state department of Foreign Affairs the Colloquium seeks to identify gaps in the current foreign policy, present perspectives on Kenya’s Foreign Policy priorities, as well as consider proposals for implementation and dissemination of Kenya’s Foreign Policy.
“The process of the review is set to create transparency on Kenya’s foreign policy agenda to citizens while informing the citizenry of Kenya’s global involvement in a wide range of areas peace and security in a volatile global landscape; examining the geopolitical context of the foreign policy while appreciating the impact of Kenya’s diaspora’s whose remittance is estimated at Kshs. 671 billion,” stated the statement department of foreign affairs.
Hon. PCS Mudavadi has urged participants to reflect on strategies that will elevate Kenya’s stance on Green Growth.
He emphasized the need to reassess views on Diaspora Diplomacy and labor migration, focusing on the protection, engagement, empowerment, and prosperity of the diaspora.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of advancing Digital-tech Diplomacy by prioritizing technologies that serve as catalysts for development, while also strengthening constitutionalism and the Rule of Law.
“Kenya’s growth on the international stage has also been described as BOLD taking into consideration the historical moments the country has been at the forefront in geopolitics and in defence of its strategic national interests,” noted the foreign affairs department.
The state department of Foreign Affairs said that it is essential to comprehend Kenya’s approach to foreign policy, which is rooted in the values and norms that serve the country’s interests. At the same time, there is a need to adapt and involve citizens in foreign policy matters.
At the Colloquium other dignitaries present were Dr. Monica Juma, National Security Advisor, Dr. David Ndii, Economic Advisor, Kenya’s mission heads, academic experts and many others.