The Kenya Kwanza government has intensified its campaign for ODM leader Raila Odinga's bid for the African Union Commission
Led by Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, the State on Monday urged African countries to support Kenya’s bid to lead the African Union Commission.
Speaking during the meeting held in Nairobi, Mudavadi said Kenya will use its leadership of the AU Commission to foster ties, including in trade and investments, between African countries.
The Prime CS also highlighted the country's commitment to building a more interconnected and prosperous Africa.
"Kenya is determined to strengthen its position within the African Union Commission," Mudavadi said.
As Kenya rallies support from its African counterparts, it reaffirms its commitment to promoting solidarity, unity, and cooperation for the collective benefit of the continent.
Kenya aims to participate in the upcoming AU Commission elections in 2025 to leverage its position within the African Union to champion institutional reforms and advance the Pan-African Agenda.
Trade and investment are key focal points in Kenya's bilateral relations, particularly within the framework of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mudavadi noted Kenya's active participation in the AfCFTA, citing examples of successful trade partnerships with other African countries.
"Kenya, one of the pilot countries in the implementation of the AfCFTA, exported its first goods of locally made car batteries and tea to Ghana in October 2022," he said.
Over the past year, Kenya has actively engaged in diplomatic exchanges, facilitating numerous official visits and signing Memoranda of Understanding with various African countries.
These efforts reflect Kenya's proactive approach towards advancing its foreign policy agenda, with a particular emphasis on deepening relations with its African counterparts, the Prime CS said.
"Africa forms the core of Kenya’s foreign policy."
Mudavadi emphasized the significance of mutual coexistence and cooperation among African nations.
Key initiatives such as the removal of visa requirements for all African countries effective January 1, 2024, exemplify Kenya's commitment to fostering intra-Africa trade and unity.
Kenya has fronted Opposition leader Raila Odinga as the man better placed to help take the African continent to the next level.
He announced his candidature for the position on February 15, and has received support from across the country’s political divide, as well as support from at least seven heads of state from the Eastern Africa region.
"I am inclined to accept the challenge and I am ready and I offer myself to be of service. I have asked my friend (Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo to continue to be a good ambassador and talk to other people," Raila said.
He added that he had been consulting widely among friends on whether to take the job or not.