LONDON, United Kingdom — Musalia Mudavadi has outlined Kenya’s expanding foreign policy strategy in response to shifting global power dynamics, emphasising neutrality in global conflicts, diversified partnerships, and stronger African integration.
Speaking Monday at Chatham House in London, the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said Kenya is recalibrating its diplomacy to navigate what he described as a rapidly evolving global order.
Mudavadi warned that the international system is entering a more complex and contested phase marked by geopolitical rivalries, protectionism and weakening multilateral cooperation.
“International relations stand at a historic turning point,” he said. “New alliances are emerging, old rivalries are resurfacing, and global power balances are shifting.”
Kenya Calls for De-escalation in Middle East Conflict
At the start of his address, Mudavadi commented on the escalating conflict in the Middle East, conveying condolences from the Kenyan government to victims of the violence.
Kenya, he said, has maintained a neutral position while calling for restraint and diplomacy.
“Kenya has not aligned with any party in the Middle East crisis. We remain a neutral and principled voice advocating for peace, restraint and adherence to international law,” Mudavadi said.
He warned that prolonged instability, particularly disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, could severely affect global energy supply, trade and air travel, with major economic consequences for developing countries.
Mudavadi also highlighted concerns that the humanitarian crisis in Sudan risks being overshadowed by the Middle East conflict as global attention shifts.
Push for African Economic Integration
Mudavadi said global shocks — including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine War — have exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains and underscored the need for Africa to accelerate economic integration.
He urged African states to prioritise the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and deepen intra-African trade.
“Africa must transform its immense potential into geoeconomic influence and a stronger voice in international affairs,” he said.
Mudavadi also called for faster adoption of renewable energy sources across the continent, arguing that greater reliance on solar, geothermal and hydro power could reduce Africa’s exposure to global energy shocks.
Multi-Alliance Foreign Policy
The foreign affairs chief said Kenya is pursuing a multi-alliance diplomatic strategy that balances relations with different global partners without aligning itself with competing geopolitical blocs.
“Our aim is not to take sides but to choose mutually beneficial partnerships anchored in mutual respect and shared prosperity,” he said.
Kenya maintains longstanding ties with Western partners including the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union, covering trade, security cooperation, technology and climate initiatives.
At the same time, the country is expanding engagement with emerging economic powers such as China and India, as well as Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates.
Mudavadi said these partnerships support Kenya’s efforts to boost manufacturing, technology transfer and trade diversification.
Regional Integration and Security
The Prime CS reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening the East African Community, which now represents a market of more than 300 million people.
He said intra-EAC trade rose by 24.5 P.c in the second quarter of 2025 to reach $4.6 billion, reflecting growing regional economic integration.
Kenya also continues to support peace and mediation efforts across the Horn of Africa while advocating African-led solutions to regional conflicts.
Haiti Security Mission Drawdown
Mudavadi confirmed that Kenya is preparing to conclude its role in the international security mission in Haiti following the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2793 (2025), which transitioned the Multinational Security Support Mission into the Gang Suppression Force.
Kenya’s participation, he said, reflected its belief in collective responsibility for global peace and security.
Economic Recovery and Global Positioning
Mudavadi also highlighted improvements in Kenya’s economic outlook, noting that GDP growth rose from 4.7 P.c in 2024 to about 5 P.c in 2025.
Inflation dropped to 4.5 P.c, while foreign exchange reserves climbed to $14.6 billion, equivalent to about 6.2 months of import cover.
He attributed the recovery partly to diversified trade partnerships and strong diaspora remittances, which surpassed $5 billion in 2025.
“The world order may be evolving, but our commitment to responsible global citizenship remains constant,” Mudavadi said.
“Kenya stands ready to engage, to partner and to lead in building a more stable and representative international system.”
