Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Engages Regulatory Institutions Ahead of Global Trust Summit 2026
Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Engages Regulatory Institutions Ahead of Global Trust Summit 2026
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs today convened a consultative meeting bringing together Kenya’s 20 regulatory institutions as part of preparations for the Global Trust Summit (GTS) 2026, which Kenya will host in Nairobi from 22–23 October 2026.
The meeting outlined the Summit’s vision and strategic direction, strengthened collaboration among regulatory institutions, and reaffirmed their critical role in rebuilding public confidence, enhancing institutional legitimacy, and advancing trust in governance systems.
Addressing the meeting, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, underscored that trust is the foundation of strong institutions, resilient democracies, and prosperous economies.
He observed that in an era marked by rapid technological change, misinformation, and declining public confidence, strengthening trust between citizens, institutions, and governments has become more important than ever.
“As Government, we are working tirelessly to ensure information sharing is open and transparent. We are also committed to upholding the principle of doing what is right for citizens in order to build confidence in our institutions,” said Dr. Mudavadi.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary noted that Kenya is among the democracies deliberately pursuing reforms to rebuild public trust as a pathway to sustainable peace, inclusive economic growth, and stronger democratic institutions. He said the Government continues to implement key institutional reforms while recognising the importance of adequately resourcing regulatory bodies to enable them to effectively discharge their mandates.
Dr. Mudavadi challenged leaders of regulatory institutions to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, accountability, and service excellence, emphasising that public confidence is earned through ethical leadership and consistent delivery of quality services.
He also called on Kenyans to continue supporting institutions that anchor democracy, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), noting that credible institutions are essential to democratic governance, investor confidence, and sustainable economic development.
Speaking at the meeting, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, said the Global Trust Summit presents Kenya with a unique opportunity to shape the global conversation on rebuilding public trust while showcasing the country’s commitment to transparent, accountable, and citizen-centred governance.
He observed that trust has become an increasingly important pillar of international relations, influencing diplomacy, trade, investment, multilateral cooperation, and sustainable development. Strong and credible regulatory institutions, he noted, enhance not only domestic governance but also Kenya’s international competitiveness and standing as a trusted global partner.
Dr. Sing’Oei described the consultative meeting as an important milestone in preparations for the Summit, bringing together institutions whose work directly influences public confidence and the delivery of essential services. He urged regulatory agencies to embrace the Summit as a national undertaking and identify practical commitments that will strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust beyond the event, emphasising that its lasting legacy will be measured by enduring institutional reforms and stronger governance systems.
Among the institutions represented were the Communications Authority of Kenya, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards, National Transport and Safety Authority, and the Capital Markets Authority, alongside other regulatory agencies.
The Global Trust Summit 2026 is a flagship diplomatic initiative under Kenya’s Fifth Open Government Partnership (OGP) National Action Plan (2023–2027), which places rebuilding public trust at the centre of the country’s open government agenda. The Summit seeks to position Kenya as a global thought leader in advancing practical solutions that strengthen public trust, democratic governance, and international cooperation.
The Summit will focus on strengthening information integrity, reinforcing democratic institutions, promoting intergenerational governance, recognising trust as an economic asset, and shaping the future of multilateralism. It is expected to culminate in the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration on Global Trust and the establishment of the Global Trust Council, providing a platform for sustained international collaboration to strengthen trust in public institutions.
By convening governments, regulators, academia, the private sector, civil society, and international partners, the Summit will foster practical solutions that promote transparency, accountability, sustainable peace, inclusive economic growth, and resilient institutions, further reinforcing Kenya’s position as a leading diplomatic and governance hub.