President William Ruto has called upon all arms of government, civil society, women and youth to be Kenya’s ambassadors, calling them to play an active role in informing the country’s Foreign Policy.
He noted that the time has come to dismantle the barriers that have traditionally confined foreign affairs to the Executive.
Speaking at the Kenya International Convention centre during the high-level consultative forum on the review of the foreign policy of the Republic of Kenya, he stressed that our foreign policy must provide a sound framework for effective strategies that serve our national objectives, priorities, and interests through diplomatic engagements.
“Its ultimate aim, naturally, is to improve citizens’ welfare, drive national progress, and contribute to shared regional and global prosperity,” he stated adding that Globalisation has driven intensive integration and interdependence, blurring the line between domestic and foreign policy.
The new foreign policy document outlines clear objectives, identifies emerging trends, and proposes effective responses to global dynamics. It incorporates mechanisms for implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, ensuring that our diplomatic sector serves as a catalyst for Kenya’s prosperity.
Dr. Ruto detailed how Kenya’s position as a regional financial hub, backed by a strong banking sector and hosting the largest World Bank station outside Washington, underscores its importance.
Recent engagements, including the Africa Development Bank and IDA summits, have emphasised the critical role of the private sector, youth, and civil society in economic diplomacy.
“Our foreign policy must, therefore, advance the strategy of creating more and better trade and economic opportunities for industries and enterprises, with a special focus on the empowerment of small and medium enterprises and the inclusion of marginalised groups, such as youth, women, and persons with disabilities,” he noted.
He enumerated the successful international peace building interventions Kenya has had in the past praising the country’s reputation as a dependable peace and security actor is a source of pride.
Adding that Kenya has established strong credentials in the area of regional, Pan-African and global peace and security engagements and operations, the President celebrated Kenya’s longstanding tradition of effective peace-making, peace-building and peace-keeping.
He said this has defined the country as a force of common good in our region, continent and the world, and sustaining this positive legacy is an important strategic priority for Kenya.
“This is why, at the moment, Kenya is leading the UN-approved Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti and mediating peace efforts in South Sudan and across the region. We are determined to remain a peaceful nation – at peace with ourselves, our neighbours, and friends abroad he said.
Speaking on his pet subject and passion that is climate change and Global warming, the Head of State said the country has a long and proud tradition of environmental diplomacy that dates back
to our earliest years as a republic.
“By the 1972 Copenhagen Summit, our voice and stand, with respect to ecological stewardship, biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability, was distinct and well-defined. We have sustained efforts to consolidate our role as a champion for conservation, and in the face of relentless global warming, which has ushered in unprecedented climate change, it has become imperative that we take a strong stand to promote urgent and effective climate action locally and globally,” he said amidst applause form his attentive and adoring audience.
As Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), the President had the honour of co-hosting theinaugural Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, which produced the landmark Nairobi Declaration – a collective position of Africa’s pathway to climate action, sustainable investment and green industrialisation.
As a national policy priority, Kenya is committed to sustaining its strong contribution to deepening regional integration through various initiatives, including the accelerated implementation of the EAC Treaty and Protocols, as well as promoting the free movement of people, goods, and services; he said.
This commitment extends to our obligations under the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Tripartite Free Trade Framework, and our efforts to actualise the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“To this end, we have adopted visa- free policies and the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System to facilitate free movement and promote intra-African trade,” he said.
