Mudavadi applauds Parliament's role in shaping foreign policy

By Robert Mutasi 

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has emphasized that Parliament is an integral partner in formulating and providing oversight in the conduct of Kenya's foreign policy.

Engaging with the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations, Mudavadi underscored the importance of working in tandem with Parliament for strategic coordination in the pursuit of foreign policy objectives in the best interest of the nation.

"Parliament stands at the core in deciding our foreign policy," Mudavadi said, adding that to him, it includes approval of treaties, budgetary control, and legislation.

The fact that the Key appointments to the various positions, including ambassadors, remains a preserve of parliament informs the cornerstone of the government's review of foreign policy on the partnership between the executive and the legislature.

Mudavadi expressed satisfaction with the fruitful discussions held with the Parliamentary committee, where joint commitment to refining foreign policy was underlined. 

The now-intended collaboration will see the revised policy document transformed into a sessional paper to be presented to Parliament. It aspires toward a comprehensive, coherent, contextually relevant foreign policy framework for Kenya.

"The interests and values of our country must be manifested in its foreign policy, and that partnership with Parliament is crucial in realizing it," Mudavadi declared. 

He indicated the development of policy that is strong and nimble to cope with the dynamics affecting relations with other states.

The statement by the Prime Cabinet Secretary has come at a time when Kenya is increasingly trying to strike a balance in complex global challenges, ranging from economic partnerships to security alliances. 

By closely working with Parliament, it seeks assurance that foreign engagements reflect the will of the people and the strategic interests of the country.

As this revised document moves closer to becoming a sessional paper, it is expected that members of the legislature will continue to contribute through their observations and recommendations in order to make the policy framework more wholesome.

The move is part of broader obligations toward openness and accountability in matters related to foreign engagement, with Parliament playing its role as an important stakeholder in this process.

As discussions progress, the Prime Cabinet Secretary is optimistic that these collaborative works will not only help to further cement Kenya's position in the world but also tackle vital domestic priorities.

This current partnership very well exemplifies democracy in practice as far as governance is concerned, where the contribution of the legislature plays a very fundamental role in forging a foreign policy to serve the interests and aspirations of the nation.