Kenya’s revised foreign policy aims to prioritize the interests of its citizens and reposition the country’s foreign engagements within the dynamic global landscape, according to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Mudavadi, who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, informed the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations that the overarching strategy is to shift the policy from the confines of the ministry and make it citizen-centred.
He stated that anchoring the policy in law with parliamentary input will place Kenya’s interests at the forefront in an ever-changing global environment.
“We want our international and diplomatic engagements to help improve the livelihoods and welfare of every Kenyan as we protect the interests of our country which come first.” said Mudavadi.
He further explained to the committee, which sought statements about shaping Kenya’s global image, that the swift changes in the global environment necessitated a review of the policy with a focus on pragmatism, foresight, and long-term perspective.
“What we are curing is the traditional way of doing things under hidden cameras, we need to be transparent and forthright in our engagements and be accountable to the citizens in our foreign engagements.” said Mudavadi.
“Once we actualize the sessional paper, we will adopt a number of reforms including making public treaties and agreements signed with other countries, once approved by parliamentary. This will help the public to understand areas where they feel they can engage and invest abroad among other benefits,” Mudavadi explained.
He also informed the committee that transparency in the issuance of scholarships would be a key aspect of the sessional paper, aiming to eliminate the inequality and unfairness seen in the past.
Mudavadi stressed that all Kenyans should have equitable access to opportunities that benefit the country, including those available in the education sector abroad.
“Every part of Kenya must get an equal opportunity when it comes to sharing of such opportunities like scholarships. Even if we later decide to bond the students in giving back to the nation once they have graduated, this must be done with fairness and transparency. Scholarships are not a military secret. The sessional paper will outline how the beneficiaries will be identified and the criteria will be known for Kenyans to appreciate that indeed there was transparency.” Mudavadi detailed.
“We are also looking at how to deal with the unscrupulous travel agents and agencies that lure Kenyans and dupe innocent citizens when it comes to securing job opportunities abroad. We want to put measures that the Ministry will use to sensitize the citizens so that they are not swindled and left high and dry.” added the Prime CS.
Mudavadi, in response to a question about protecting Kenyans seeking jobs abroad, stated that Parliament should assist the Ministry in strengthening laws to prosecute rogue agencies. He also emphasised the need to sensitise and caution Kenyans about regions that are no-go zones, where they may face the risk of human trafficking or slavery.
“Our engagements with parliament or even other institution is to help save lives. This is a campaign that should be wholesome. The awareness should not be left for the ministry or government, since when Kenyans suffer abroad it pains many back homes.” said Mudavadi.
“As a ministry we are also cautioning Kenyans that once you are wheels-up, the moment you land on the soils of the other country, the laws that govern your stay once the plane has landed are the laws of the foreign country.” said Mudavadi as he urged Parliament to help in enacting laws that will help the ministry navigate legal processes for Kenyans incarcerated abroad.
“When you get involved in a traffic offense abroad or you are caught in a brawl in a night club then you want the case to be a Kenyan problem, and yet we don’t have monetary provisions to help in dealing with such cases, you are putting us in a tight corner. Especially to our young people who still want to adventure, they need to be cautious of the same.” Mudavadi reiterated
He also informed the committee that the sessional paper aims to embed the foreign affairs portfolio within the National Security Council framework, addressing matters related to budgetary allocations and giving the Ministry greater capacity for engagement.
Additionally, Mudavadi shared that Kenya is seeking ways to broaden its asset base in its missions abroad. A component of the sessional paper addresses diplomatic appointments, advocating that career diplomats should receive at least 70% of such appointments, with other experienced officers integrated at a minimum of 30%.
“Once entrenched in the policy will clear the ambiguity and guide future nominations and appointments.” he stated.
“We are facing fiscal difficulties and some of our missions are grappling with financial constraints but we are working on making sure that our diplomatic missions and the diplomats are not underfunded for this can also be very dangerous.” he added.
The committee was chaired by Isiolo County Senator Fatuma Dullo.
