Kenya Seeks to Strengthen Role in Global Peacekeeping Through Diplomacy
Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to global peacekeeping by strengthening the link between diplomacy and military capacity, a move aimed at consolidating the country’s reputation as a reliable peace partner.
Speaking at the inaugural Joint Technical-Level Workshop on International Peacekeeping held at the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC), Ambassador Josphat K. Maikara, Director-General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, underscored the importance of integrating diplomatic practice into peacekeeping strategy.
“Military capability is indispensable, but without diplomatic skill, it risks being misaligned, under-supported, or misunderstood. Diplomacy is our force multiplier,” Ambassador Maikara said, praising the professionalism and courage of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in volatile missions across the world.
He reminded participants that Kenya has contributed to more than 26 UN and AU peacekeeping operations since 1979, with Kenyan officers often entrusted with senior command roles. To build on this legacy, he outlined six strategic pillars for enhancing Kenya’s role: deepening multilateral engagement, strengthening alliances with other troop-contributing countries, expanding training and expertise through institutions such as IPSTC, mobilizing resources via diplomatic channels, negotiating mandates that align with Kenya’s strengths, and institutionalizing coordination between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the MFDA.
“Peacekeeping is not just about deploying troops; it is about shaping missions in ways that reflect our values of stability, inclusivity, and peace-building. Kenya must leverage its voice at the United Nations, African Union, and regional blocs to ensure Africa’s priorities are reflected,” he added.
Brigadier Stephen M. Huria, Chief of Operations at Defence Headquarters, echoed the call for synergy between diplomacy and defence, stressing that global peacekeeping now demands stronger coordination in the face of more complex conflicts. “Our boots on the ground and our voices at the table must move in unison, reinforcing each other for maximum impact,” he said.
Brigadier Huria also highlighted the importance of partnerships within the EAC, IGAD, AU, and UN, saying that collaboration enhances interoperability and positions Kenya as a principled and dependable partner in global security. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he urged delegates to embrace a whole-of-government approach: “Let us move beyond traditional silos and merge the strength of our forces with the foresight of our diplomacy.”
The workshop, jointly convened by the MFDA and MoD following high-level consultations between Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, and Defence Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Soipan Tuya, is expected to generate actionable recommendations to reposition Kenya as both a leader and shaper of peacekeeping efforts worldwide.