President William Ruto has emphasised the need for Kenya's foreign policy to break international barriers and enhance a whole-government approach to development with other nations,
Ruto, while speaking at the Foreign Policy Consultative Forum held at KICC, Nairobi on Wednesday, acknowledged the crucial process of reviewing and consolidating foreign policy.
He said Kenya's new foreign policy document is a reflection of the country’s strategic response to global imperatives at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
“Kenya’s pursuit of national economic transformation necessitates a forward-looking, robust, patriotic, and people-centred foreign policy that will attract investments and secure our country’s rightful place on the global stage,” he said at the event held at KICC.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'Oei and other top government officials were present.
The President added that the country’s foreign policy is more than the management of relations with other nations saying it is about shaping a destiny for present and future generations that aligns with the national interests.
Ruto said the policy aligns with the dynamic realities of both domestic and international environments.
He noted that the transformation is timely, coming at the expiry of the shelf life of the 2014 Foreign Policy document.
“This policy, therefore, ensures that diplomatic engagements deliver tangible benefits to every Kenyan, unlocking the power of cooperation, the promise of partnerships, and the potential of a shared vision for a prosperous, interconnected future,” Ruto said.
He stated that it is time the country adopted 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 the foreign policy document seeks to improve citizens’ welfare, drive national progress, and contribute to shared regional and global prosperity.
Ruto added that the policy outlines clear objectives, identifies emerging trends, and proposes effective responses to global dynamics.
“It incorporates mechanisms for implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, ensuring that our diplomatic sector serves as a catalyst for Kenya’s prosperity,” the President said.
Notably, he added, the new policy document opportunities in emerging fields such as digital diplomacy and climate diplomacy.
“I am happy that, at last, we are able to launch this foreign policy document, which celebrates our diplomatic achievements, analyses current and emerging global dynamics, and offers firm strategic guidance on the ways and means of undertaking successful initiatives,” he said.
“Its implementation requires collaboration across all arms of government.
He urged Kenyans to embrace the new foreign policy and to remember that the future is not inherited but created.
This, he said, is through the power of patriotism, concerted effort, and the strategic framework provided by foreign policy.
“We must aim to keep Kenya’s flag flying high to inspire pride and hope and symbolise Africa’s true renaissance,” he said.
“Diplomacy is a field rooted in traditions and techniques that safeguard national interests while uplifting humanity, embodying Kenya’s identity as a nation committed to peace, proudly African, and dedicated to global prosperity.”
The President urged the public to be guided by the policy framework and to work in preparing the nation for the dynamic geopolitical landscape before us.
“This foreign policy offers an opportunity to rise and navigate the challenges of a complex world order with confidence and clarity,” Ruto said.
