NAIROBI, Kenya – National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on the Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations to expedite the review and adoption of Kenya’s newly revised Foreign Policy.
Addressing Parliament on Thursday, Wetang’ula, who previously served as Foreign Affairs minister, underscored the importance of a robust foreign policy in shaping Kenya’s global standing.
He emphasized the need for swift approval, noting that the document would guide the country’s international engagements.
“The primacy of foreign policy in guiding a country’s international relations cannot be gainsaid,” Wetang’ula said. “Since this policy will direct Kenya’s conduct in global affairs, its expedited approval by this House is necessary.”
Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya formally tabled the policy in Parliament, with Defence and Foreign Relations Committee chairperson Nelson Koech confirming that the review process had begun.
However, Koech did not specify when the committee would present its report for debate and adoption.
Key Updates in the 2024 Foreign Policy
The revised Kenya Foreign Policy 2024, launched in December and approved by the Cabinet on January 21, seeks to strengthen Kenya’s diplomatic, economic, and security influence regionally and globally.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described the document as an innovative blueprint aimed at bolstering Kenya’s image and protecting its strategic interests on the international stage.
The latest version updates the five pillars of the 2014 policy, expanding them to seven focus areas:
1. Peace and Security Diplomacy
2. Economic and Commercial Diplomacy
3. Social-Cultural Diplomacy
4. Diaspora Diplomacy
5. Digital Diplomacy
6. Environmental and Climate Diplomacy
7. Global Governance and Multilateral Diplomacy
While largely maintaining the framework of the 2014 policy, the updated document introduces emerging trends in international relations, such as parliamentary diplomacy, cyberspace diplomacy, global health diplomacy, and maritime diplomacy.
Under Economic and Commercial Diplomacy, the policy highlights key sectors including trade and investment, sustainable blue economy, tourism, the creative economy, and plans to transform Kenyan missions abroad into economic hubs.
Additionally, the document identifies nine core national interests, including territorial integrity, sovereignty, security, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and regional leadership.
Legislative Framework and Implementation
For effective execution, the Foreign Service Act, 2021, will be amended, and new regulations will be developed.
A Sessional Paper on foreign policy, introduced by President William Ruto, will also be tabled in Parliament, providing lawmakers an opportunity to shape the direction of Kenya’s diplomatic agenda through legislative backing.
In his foreword to the policy, President Ruto stressed that Kenya’s diplomatic approach must evolve to reflect modern global realities and strengthen the country’s position as a regional powerhouse.
As the parliamentary review process unfolds, the focus will be on ensuring that the policy aligns with Kenya’s long-term strategic interests and enhances the country’s role in international affairs.
