By Samuel Ouma
President William Ruto has announced plans to review Kenya’s foreign policy to align with emerging global realities and complexities.
Speaking during a consultative forum at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Ruto emphasised that the updated policy would be a critical tool in navigating the challenges of a dynamic world order.
“Our foreign policy must align with the dynamic realities of domestic and international environments,” said President Ruto.
He said that Kenya’s quest for national economic transformation necessitates a forward-thinking, robust, patriotic, and people-centred foreign policy that attracts investment and ensures the country’s rightful place on the world stage.
Ruto emphasised that the foundation of Kenya’s foreign policy framework continues to be economic diplomacy. To further economic diplomacy, he underlined the need to utilise Kenya’s status as a regional financial centre and the necessity of working with the business sector, youth, and civil society.
“Through the power of our patriotism, concerted effort and the strategic framework provided by our foreign policy, we must aim to keep Kenya’s flag flying high to inspire pride and hope, and symbolise Africa’s true renaissance,” stated Ruto.
Kenya’s standing as a reliable peace and security actor on the regional and international scene was praised by President Ruto. He commended the nation’s enduring contributions to peacekeeping, peacebuilding, and peacemaking, strengthening its standing as a positive influence in Eastern Africa and beyond.
“Kenya has established strong credentials in regional, pan-African and global peace and security engagements and operations,” he said.
The Kenyan leader demanded that the obstacles that have historically kept the Executive branch solely responsible for foreign affairs be removed. He suggested an approach to foreign policy that was more inclusive, whole-of-government, and all-of-society, with active participation from women, youth, civil society, the judiciary, and Parliament.
“We must adopt a comprehensive, inclusive, whole-of-government and all-of-society approach, involving Parliament, the Judiciary, civil society, faith-based organisations, youth and women as active stakeholders,” he said.
President Ruto was pleased with the revised foreign policy document, which recognises Kenya’s diplomatic achievements while giving strategic guidance for future engagements. He asked stakeholders from the corporate and public sectors and international partners to work with the government to successfully execute the new strategy.
