Highlights of Kenya's Diplomatic Milestones in 2024.
Kenya's foreign policy agenda in 2024 has been significant, with high-level visits aimed at strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations. Notable visits include a state visit to Japan, a state visit to Uganda, an official visit to Tanzania, multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), and a state visit to Zimbabwe. Kenya has also expanded its diplomatic footprint by opening new embassy in Abidjan, Rabat, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and a Consulate General in Guangzhou, China, and Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
On the multilateral front, Kenya has made significant strides in participating in international organizations and fora, positioned as a leader in driving collaborative solutions to global challenges. The country has advanced critical national and continental positions, such as the Nairobi Declaration on the Africa Climate Summit and the African Renewable Energy Strategy. Nairobi's diplomatic and multilateral hub status has grown exponentially, hosting 109 resident diplomatic missions and 148 intergovernmental and international organizations. This year, Nairobi hosted several summits, reflecting Kenya's strategic importance and commitment to fostering multilateral cooperation.
Kenya has prioritized regional and continental collaboration, actively participating in the African Union, East African Community, IGAD, ICGLR, and COMESA. This has contributed to the development of cross-border trade protocols and fostered stronger ties with neighbouring countries. Notable highlights include President Dr. William Ruto's election to spearhead institutional reforms at the African Union and his appointment as Chairman of the Committee of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change. Kenya has also offered Right Honourable Dr. Raila Odinga for African Union Commission Chairperson due to his Pan-Africanist credentials and vast networks across Africa.
Economic diplomacy has seen Kenya increase funding for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), promoting job creation and poverty alleviation. Key milestones include a commitment to build secure supply chains in the Semiconductor industry, investment from Coca-Cola and USAID, and diversification of access to concessional financing for infrastructure development. Kenya has also discussed regional infrastructural projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with China.
At the Korea/Africa Summit, Kenya joined the International Vaccine Institute as the 26th State Party, elevating Nairobi's Country Office to serve as the Headquarters for Advancing Vaccine End-to-End Capabilities (AVEC) initiative in Africa. The Ministry facilitated the signing of a Grant Agreement between Kenya's Biovax Institute and Indonesia's Biopharma, facilitating the realization of the BETA agenda towards universal health care in Kenya.
Kenya has prioritized peace and security as a key driver for development, actively engaging in diplomatic efforts and peacekeeping support missions. The country is leading the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, with 381 troops deployed as of 28th July 2024. Kenya has also negotiated bilateral labor agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Germany, and Austria, and ongoing negotiations with the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, and Canada.
The revised Kenya Foreign Policy document, "Twiga Diplomacy," aligns Kenya's diplomatic efforts with global trends and challenges. A nationwide sensitization campaign is rolled out to engage citizens on the policy's significance in shaping Kenya's future.
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs (SDDA) has facilitated the signing of three agreements on labour mobility, including a Comprehensive Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement between Kenya and Germany, a Bilateral Agreement between Kenya and Austria, and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Germany. Kenya has secured the placement of 1,733 Kenyans in the United States, UK, and Germany in various sectors. The department has also launched the Mukulima Majuu Programme, which has seen 2,000 young agricultural students work in mechanized farms in the United Kingdom.
The government has facilitated the voluntary evacuation of over 800 Kenyans from Lebanon between August and 13th December 2024. In terms of remittances, Kenyans living abroad sent home KShs 260 billion ($2 billion) in the first five months of 2024, with remittance inflows projected to increase to USD 4.9 billion for 2024.