Underlying Kenya’s peace and security diplomacy is the recognition of peace and stability as necessary pre-conditions for development and prosperity. Linked to this, is Kenya’s conviction that its own stability and economic wellbeing are dependent on the stability of the sub-region, Africa and the rest of the world.

The objectives of this pillar are to:

1) Promote the resolution of conflicts by peaceful means;

2) Collaborate with other African countries to strengthen the conflict prevention, management and resolution capacity of regional institutions, including the East African Community (EAC), Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the African Union (AU with the aim of promoting sustainable peace and development;

3) Support peace efforts by the African Union and the United Nations through contributing troops and providing leadership in peacekeeping missions within the continent and globally; and

4) Create conflict analysis and prevention capacity nationally and in the region through the Foreign Service Academy.

In pursuing these objectives, Kenya’s foreign peace diplomacy continues to draw on Kenya’s experiences in mediation, conflict resolution and peacekeeping. Further, Kenya will continue to support institutions that are involved in peace keeping in the Continent which include International Peace Support Training Centre and East African Standby Force Command among others

Kenya’s quest for a peaceful and stable environment is linked to its socio-economic development and prosperity, and that of the region. A robust economic engagement is necessary to secure Kenya’s regional and overall economic objectives in line with the Kenya Vision 2030.

The objectives of this pillar are to:

1. Increase capital flows to Kenya and the East African region;
2. Support export promotion and investment by Kenyan enterprises within the region and beyond;
3. Promote the country as a favourite destination for foreign direct investment, tourism, and conferencing;
4. Expand access to traditional markets and explore new destinations for Kenya’s exports;
5. Enhance technological advancement by exploring new sources of affordable and appropriate technology;
6. Support the exploration of alternative sources of traditional and renewable energy;
7. Strengthen regional economic communities and organizations to serve as competitive spring boards to emerging and global markets; and
8. Promote fair trade and equitable bilateral, regional and multilateral trade agreements.

The Government of Kenya recognizes the huge and untapped potential of Kenyans Abroad which can contribute to the country’s national development agenda. The Diaspora pillar aims to harness the diverse skills, knowledge, expertise and resources of Kenyans living abroad, and facilitating their integration into the national development agenda.

This informs the Diaspora Pillar which seeks to harness the contribution of Kenyans living abroad through the implementation of the National Diaspora policy.

The potential of Kenya’s cultural heritage is enormous and there is need for its exploitation for the development of the country. Over the years Kenya has continuously placed emphasis on cultural recognition and understanding as the basis for dialogue. It is through cultural activities

that a nation’s idea of itself is best represented. Kenya’s cultural diplomacy aims to increase awareness of her cultural richness and to generate interests in the country’s cultural heritage.

The objectives of this pillar are to:

1. Respect and recognize cultural diversity and heritage;

2. Promote cultural exchanges and partnerships;

3. Promote global intercultural dialogue;

4. Promote sports and art diplomacy by recognizing the role of Kenyan artist, athletes and other sportsmen and women; and

5. Promote the recognition of Kiswahili as a continental and global language;

The implementation of these pillars will provide a guiding framework for diplomatic engagements. This will further guide the country as it pursues its vision of becoming peaceful, prosperous and globally competitive while promoting sustainable development. 

The Kenya Environmental Policy, 2013 underscores that environment and natural resources are valuable national assets upon which the country’s sustainable development is anchored. Kenya recognizes its enormous stake in the sustainable management of its own natural resources, those of the region and the world. The strong orientation towards environmental issues is therefore a distinct feature of Kenya’s Foreign Policy. Among key issues underlined by the environment pillar is the effective implementation of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) such as the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES).

As the cradle of mankind and custodian of unique flora and fauna, Kenya takes seriously its obligation to transmit humanity’s inheritance to posterity. Underlying this commitment is the urgency to confront the impact of contemporary environmental problems such as global climate change, ozone depletion, ocean and air pollution, and resource degradation compounded by the increasing world population.

The objectives of this pillar are to:

1. Champion the strengthening of United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Human Settlements Programme in Nairobi (UN HABITAT) in prioritizing the global sustainable development agenda;
2. Promote compliance with the relevant national, regional and international environmental legislation, regulations, standards, and other appropriate operational procedures and guidelines;
3. Promote the integration of environmental management into national and regional economic activities, including agriculture and tourism to minimize negative impact on the environment;
4. Promote research as a mechanism to encourage innovation and reduce adverse environmental impacts; and
5. Encourage public dialogue, awareness and knowledge creation on environmental matters through national, regional and international forums.