In a reaffirmation of Kenya’s commitment to faith-driven diplomacy and multilateral cooperation Lari MP Joseph Mburu Kahangara and Nominated MP Irene Nyakerario represented National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, at the International Catholic Legislators Network (ICLN) Conference held in Vienna, Austria.
The annual meeting brought together lawmakers and high-level faith leaders from across Europe, Africa, and beyond to deliberate on pressing global issues intersecting with faith, governance, peace, and development.
This year’s discussions prominently focused on demographic transitions, global peace-building, the Church’s role in policymaking, and sustainability imperatives across continents.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Kenyan delegation held bilateral talks with Kenya’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the UN Offices in Vienna, Maurice Makoloo, and Deputy Head of Mission Amb. Valerie Rugene.
The dialogue underscored the significance of elevating Kenya’s foreign policy objectives through proactive parliamentary engagement.
“This platform is not just about dialogue but aiming at deepening our responsibility as legislators to reflect and take-home concrete action points that can inform national debate,” said Hon. Mburu. “We appreciated the opportunity to reflect on how European societies are responding to demographic shifts and how Kenya can learn while safeguarding its values and development path.”
Among key themes addressed was the declining population in many European nations, particularly in regions with strong cultural and religious traditions.
Legislators expressed concern about the implications for governance, labor markets, and intergenerational equity. In contrast, African nations, including Kenya, continue to experience population growth and youthful demographics a dynamic that presents both an opportunity and a challenge for socio-economic planning.
“What struck me most was the contrast in demographic concerns,” noted Hon. Irene Mayaka. “While Europe grapples with fertility decline, in Kenya we are managing youthful populations, minority group inclusion, and the balance between cultural identity and national cohesion.”
In her remarks, Amb. Rugene called on the legislators to leverage their roles in shaping Kenya’s engagement with Austria and the broader European Union, particularly through trade, culture, energy, and technology diplomacy.
She urged Parliament to prioritize Kenya’s foreign policy strategy currently before the House under Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025.
“Every embassy needs the strength of Parliament behind it,” she said. “Our diplomatic work must translate into economic value for Kenyans—be it through technology transfer, nuclear energy partnerships, or waste management innovations.”
Discussions also emphasized the need for improved cooperation between the Church and state institutions. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna, a leading figure in the conference, called for “Governance anchored in virtue,” urging leaders to blend spiritual and legal responsibilities in shaping societies.
The legislators shared experiences on Kenya’s ongoing public discourse concerning the relationship between faith institutions and political leaders. Mayaka called for a more inclusive and respectful conversation between the Church and the political class, stating:
“There is need for genuine intra-dialogue not just between Church and State, but within the Church itself and between faith communities. Kenya’s diversity can only be a strength if anchored in mutual respect.”
Ambassador Makoloo emphasized Kenya’s long-standing relations with Austria, marking 60 years since diplomatic ties were formally established in 1965. He noted that Kenya’s Mission in Vienna serves not only Austria but also five other Central and Eastern European nations, making it a strategic post for multilateral and bilateral diplomacy.
“Vienna is one of the few cities in the world that hosts UN agencies, and Kenya has benefitted from that multilateral engagement. However, the time has come to match diplomacy with commercial outcomes, especially in areas like renewable energy, trade, and industrial machinery,” said Ambassador Makoloo.
The Kenyan legislators also interacted with their counterparts from Spain, Hungary, Macedonia, and Italy, exchanging views on family values, youth leadership, economic policy, and peace-building efforts.
A shared concern was the impact of global funding shifts on health systems, particularly in Africa. Hon. Mayaka highlighted the need for Africa to explore self-reliant funding alternatives:
“We need to wake up to the reality that aid is no longer guaranteed. What we need is a model that promotes domestic resource mobilization, public-private partnerships, and innovation.”
The ICLN forum concluded with a renewed commitment by members to strengthen faith-informed leadership, intercontinental cooperation, and the moral compass of global governance. Kenya’s delegation reiterated its resolve to table lessons from Vienna before Parliament, particularly through committee engagements and policy reviews.
“We must link what we’ve learned here to our legislative responsibilities back home,” said Mburu. “From trade partnerships to family and youth policies, our representation abroad must inspire reforms and conversations within.”
As the world faces evolving challenges from demographic transitions and peace-building to climate and technological shifts the role of legislators remains central in linking the global to the local.
Kenya’s presence in Vienna reaffirmed its place at the intersection of faith, diplomacy, and transformation.
