Mudavadi: Kenyan Foreign Policy to become citizen-centric

By Robert Mutasi

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said that the country's foreign policy has increasingly become representative and a reflection of the aspiration of its people.

While addressing a stakeholder validation forum at KICC in Nairobi, Mudavadi said the revised policy shall not appear "foreign" to Kenyans but will reflect their concerns and interests in its orientation and preoccupation.

"The ultimate good of a country's foreign policy lies in the aspirations of the citizens," said Mudavadi. "It is for this reason that we are committed to developing an 'all-of-society policy' emanating from the views and values of Kenyans."

The event brought together representatives of several sectors and marked a key step towards finalizing the policy document. It provided an interactive platform for citizens to have their say in the blueprints that will form a basis for Kenya's engagements with the international community.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by Dr. Korir Sing'Oei, the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Foreign Affairs.

Dr. Sing'Oei reiterated the importance of ensuring that the policy aligns with Kenya's national interest, while projecting and protecting these priorities on the international arena.

"Kenyan Foreign Policy is a very important document," said Dr. Sing'Oei. "Its foundation must lie on common ground that projects, promotes, and protects our national interests on every international engagement."

The very effort to consult the public on the policy's design is, in essence, a commitment to inclusiveness and transparency on the part of the government.

These discussions involved stakeholders from all walks of civil society, academia, the private sector, and other interest groups.

Mudavadi added that the final document would be taken up with President William Ruto later in the year for approval and subsequent launch.

"This participatory process will make sure that the foreign policy we adopt is not only robust but also resonates with the people it represents," he added.

This policy proposal, therefore, aims at improving the Kenyan position within the global community through strategic partnerships and regional cooperation, and by advancing Kenyan values and interests within the world.

It also purports to confront newly emerging global challenges in relation to climate change, economic instability, and security concerns.

With the validation process complete, Kenyans eagerly await the pronouncement of a foreign policy that would bridge the gap between the local aspirations of the people and the international agenda of the country.