Mudavadi: Counties key to shaping Kenya's policy
By Robert Mutasi
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasized the critical role that counties have to play in the formulation and articulation of Kenya's foreign policy.
Speaking Wednesday, November 6, 2024, during a forum on economic diplomacy, Mudavadi underscored the aspect that local governments are indispensable partners for the ongoing review of Kenya's 2014 Foreign Policy.
"Counties are key players in formulating and promoting Kenya's foreign policy through active economic diplomacy for the benefit of all communities throughout the country," said Mudavadi.
He added that the partnership between the national and county government was very important in formulating foreign policies that reflect the ideals and interests of all Kenyans.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary further explained that by bringing county governments into this review, there is the intention to improve international partnerships that could bring greater economic dividends.
Mudavadi emphasized that such partnerships would not only spur investments but also ensure more tourism and cultural exchanges for the general socio-economic development of their areas.
"We are glad to involve the Council of Governors in this important process," he said, reinforcing a shared responsibility by both tiers of government in finding their way around these tricky waters of international diplomacy.
This portends a collaborative approach in devising an inclusive and representative framework of economic and cultural engagement with Kenya's diverse population.
The finished revised foreign policy will revert to being a sessional paper tabled before Parliament.
It should be a way that gives an adequate strategy to the applause of all Kenyans in ensuring their voices are heard in the nation's approach to foreign relations.
What Mudavadi said underlines a growing realization that it is the local authorities that address not only purely local concerns but also help in developing the national agenda, foreign policy included.
The reason for their involvement is to establish a more substantial and responsive framework to ensure that international cooperation reflects local development interests.
Such a call by Mudavadi for coordination between national and county governments might just be what Kenya needs in the attempt to increase its presence on the global stage and achieve better, inclusive foreign policy that benefits the communities across the country.
This is a milestone in respect of moving toward a more federalistic kind of government and diplomacy, putting new emphasis on local involvement in national affairs.
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