NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has launched an annual Diplomatic Brief, an initiative aimed at reviewing Kenya’s diplomatic progress and setting future priorities.
The move, he said, underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening international relations and enhancing its global standing.
Speaking at the event, Ruto highlighted Kenya’s diplomatic expansion since independence, noting the growth from six missions to 70 globally.
He emphasized that the country’s foreign policy now prioritizes regional integration, intra-African relations, economic diplomacy, and global security.
Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to its diaspora, citing the establishment of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs in 2022.
The department, he said, plays a crucial role in protecting and empowering Kenyans living and working abroad, as well as securing bilateral labour agreements to tap into Africa’s youthful workforce.
Kenya remains focused on forging robust bilateral and multilateral cooperation with all nations in an effort to deliver tangible results to global citizens. We will champion and expand diplomatic relations, cultivate strategic alignments and build bridges to further our shared…
The President also announced the revision of Kenya’s Foreign Policy 2024, which will focus on fostering international partnerships, promoting regional cooperation, and advancing sustainable development.
Kenya, he said, aims to position itself as a key player in global decision-making.
On economic progress, Ruto highlighted strides in agriculture, housing, healthcare, MSMEs, and digital innovation.
He pointed to the government’s subsidised fertiliser programme, which he said has strengthened food security, and the expansion of fibre optic infrastructure, with over 18,000km laid to boost digital connectivity and investments in the creative industry.
He further underscored Kenya’s dedication to advancing the East African Community’s objectives, expanding intra-regional trade, and addressing security challenges within the region.
He called for structural reforms in financing peace initiatives and urged a fairer global financial system to address debt restructuring, climate financing, and development support.
Ruto also reiterated Kenya’s commitment to tackling environmental and climate challenges, calling for global collaboration to address these pressing threats.
He emphasized efforts to position Nairobi as a multilateral diplomacy hub, with investments in infrastructure and security.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi echoed the President’s sentiments, stating that diplomacy remains central to Kenya’s pursuit of regional stability, economic growth, and global partnerships.
He reaffirmed Kenya’s dedication to strengthening multilateral ties and championing national interests on the global stage.
