NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has urged Kenyan ambassadors and high commissioners to aggressively market the country abroad and convert diplomatic engagements into tangible economic benefits.
Speaking during the opening of the 19th Ambassadors and High Commissioners Conference in Nairobi, Ruto called for a shift toward results-driven diplomacy focused on investment, trade, and job creation.
“As Kenya’s ambassadors, you are called to present to the world the full breadth of Kenya’s potential, telling our story with conviction and translating that promise into partnerships that deliver real, tangible benefits for the people of Kenya,” he said.
The President said Kenya’s foreign policy must move beyond traditional engagement to measurable outcomes, urging diplomats to unlock new export markets, attract quality investment, and strengthen strategic partnerships that directly support economic growth.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi echoed the call, noting that Kenya’s expanding global influence presents opportunities for economic diplomacy.
He cited Ruto’s role as chair of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and his prominence in global climate discussions as strategic platforms to advance Kenya’s interests.
“This position elevates Kenya’s influence and provides a strategic platform to advance our national, regional, and international interests,” Mudavadi said.
At the same forum, James Mwangi, Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group Holdings, urged greater domestic participation in investment, warning that overreliance on foreign capital could strain the economy.
“I’m glad that foreign investors continue to see Kenya as a strong and attractive destination. Their confidence in our economy is important,” Mwangi said, adding that infrastructure alone cannot drive growth without stronger domestic savings.
He pointed to partnerships with Trade Connect and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat as critical in unlocking trade, financing, and market access for Kenyan businesses.
Mwangi emphasized that diplomatic missions play a central role in boosting exports and attracting investment. “Our foreign missions are critical in promoting exports and attracting investment. If equipped with the right tools, they can drive foreign exchange inflows, job creation, and wealth generation,” he said.
The push for economic diplomacy comes as Kenya rolls out digital platforms — BiasharaLink and Deal House — aimed at transforming embassies into active trade hubs under the AfCFTA framework. The tools, launched in Addis Ababa during the 39th African Union Summit, are designed to bridge Africa’s trade execution gap, where inquiries often fail to translate into actual deals.
