A Year of Progress in Kenya's Foreign Policy

Nairobi, December 20, 2024.

Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary and Minister of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, today outlined the country's achievements in foreign policy and international relations during a press briefing in Nairobi. Highlighting the year's successes, Dr. Mudavadi emphasized Kenya's growing global stature and its commitment to fostering bilateral and multilateral partnerships.


In 2024, Kenya enhanced its international relationships through state visits and high-level agreements. Key achievements include: Japan, secured a Ksh 3 billion grant to bolster KEMRI research and Ksh 15 billion for geothermal energy projects. Uganda, signed agreements to extend the Standard Gauge Railway and resolve A non-tariff Barriers (NTBs).

United States: Secured status as a major non-NATO ally and commitments on trade, climate, and technology, adding to a $175-million investment by Coca-Cola. China: Inked agreement for the construction of rural roads worth $274 million and joined the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank to access concessional financing. Tanzania and Ethiopia: Moved to address NTBs, reviving cross-border agreements to increase regional trade.

Kenya's influence in addressing global challenges was further cemented by its role in global and regional organizations. Key milestones include:

Climate Action, advocating the Nairobi Declaration at COP29 in Baku, which saw a $300 billion increase in climate financing. Diplomatic Hub, hosting major events such as UNEA6 and the first Africa Climate Summit, reinforcing Nairobi's status as a center for multilateral dialogue.

Regional Leadership : The election of President William Ruto as EAC Chairman and leadership in African Union reforms underlined Kenya's pivotal role in Africa. It increased its Diaspora engagement, negotiating bilateral labor agreements with nations like Germany, Austria, and Saudi Arabia. Innovations such as the Mukulimas Majuu Program made it possible for over 2,000 Kenyan youth to find jobs abroad in agriculture. Kenya introduced the NCLEX-RN Test Center in Nairobi to avail health professionals to world labor markets.

Remittances from the diaspora reached a record Ksh 260 billion in the first five months of 2024, representing a 19% increase from 2023. Projections estimate inflows will hit $4.9 billion by year-end. Kenya remained committed to the sustenance of regional and global peace, leading the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti and advancing the Tumaini Peace Initiative in South Sudan. At the same time, it played a key role in the mediation of various regional conflicts under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development framework.

He concluded his statement by announcing the intention to open new consulates in Guangzhou, China, and Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in 2025. Kenya is also on course to conclude the "Twiga Diplomacy" policy as it aligns the country's foreign relations to conform to changing global trends.

"As we head to 2025, we remain focused on our commitment and determination to position Kenya as a leader among nations for peace, prosperity, and partnership to benefit all Kenyans," Dr. Mudavadi said. Successes that occurred in Kenya in 2024 signal the country's increase in diplomatic influence for a shared future globally.

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