Kenya Foreign Policy

November, 2014

FOREWORD

The nalization of the Kenya Foreign Policy marks

a milestone achievement for our nation. It is the

rst time since our independence that Kenya has

a written foreign policy. The policy provides a

broad framework on Kenya’s foreign relations and

diplomatic engagements within a contemporary

globalized environment. The policy further

outlines the evolution of our foreign relations

and engagements with our partners over the last

ve decades and its future strategic direction to

ensure the achievement of the collective aspirations of Kenyans, bearing

in mind the critical role of foreign policy in meeting national priorities.

Its publication is a culmination of a highly participatory and consultative

process and it is benchmarked on international best practices in foreign

policy.

The Vision driving Kenya’s Foreign Policy agenda is the pursuit of ‘A

peaceful, prosperous and globally competitive Kenya’ while the Mission

is “To project, promote and protect Kenya’s interests and image globally

through innovative diplomacy, and contribute towards a just, peaceful

and equitable world”.

The foreign policy objectives are informed by our common desire for

a peaceful, united and prosperous country as embodied in Kenya’s

National Anthem, the Constitution and Kenya Vision 2030. Through

the foreign policy objectives, Kenya seeks to promote and safeguard

national, regional and international peace and security and protect our

sovereignty and territorial integrity. As a country, we will continue to

support the work of regional, international and multilateral organizations

in nding lasting solutions to conict and terrorism activities for a free

and secure world.

In pursuing the country’s socio-economic and political interests,

Kenya will seek to promote sub-regional and regional integration

and cooperation emphasizing intra-African trade as the cornerstone

for Africa’s socio-economic and political unity. Through economic

diplomacy, Kenya will continue to strengthen and consolidate its trade

and investment links with traditional partners while exploring new trade

and investment partners in order to expand access of Kenyan products

to foreign markets, while at the same time increasing investments for

our country. Through this policy, we seek to deepen our engagement

and partnerships with the Kenyan Diaspora in order to leverage and

harness their skills and expertise for national development. As a country,

we will also continue to contribute to sustainable management of the

environment by confronting the impact of contemporary environmental

challenges such as global climate change, ozone layer depletion, ocean

and air pollution, and resource degradation. Our rich and diverse

culture will be used to promote friendship and mutual understanding

at the national, regional and international level to promote positive and

sustainable economic activities and trade relations especially through

mutually benecial cultural exchanges. The outlined objectives will

continue to shape Kenya’s interaction and engagement with the outside

world in order to maximize the benets from its diplomatic engagement

at all levels.

The successful actualization of the policy calls for a coherent and

cross-sectoral approach and a coordinated response across all levels

of government, private sector and other non-state actors. Towards this

end, all Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies and organs

whose functions and responsibilities in one way or another impact on

Kenya’s foreign relations are expected to work closely with the Ministry

of Foreign Affairs and International Trade together to make this policy

a reality.

Finally, in publishing this policy the Government reafrms its unwavering

commitment to promote an open and pro-citizens policy formulation

process. The policy also ensures that necessary measures are put in

place to effectively promote the interests of Kenya and her nationals in

its foreign relations and diplomatic engagements.

UHURU KENYATTA,

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA

PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International

Trade is mandated to pursue Kenya’s foreign

policy and international trade affairs in

accordance to the Constitution of Kenya, with the

overarching objective of protecting, promoting

and projecting the nation’s interests abroad.

In pursuing of this objective, my Ministry has

developed this Foreign Policy to guide Kenya’s

foreign relations and diplomatic engagements

with our partners. The Policy is inclined towards

upholding the country’s sovereignty, promoting universal peace and

fostering better relations with our neighbors, the rest of the African

continent and the world at large. In this regard, Kenya will continue

to consolidate and strengthen its foreign relations and diplomatic

engagements with other countries as well as international and multilateral

organizations at the regional, continental and international level.

This Policy is anchored on ve interlinked pillars of diplomacy namely:

Economic; Peace; Environmental; Cultural and Diaspora. Economic

diplomacy aims to realize a robust and sustained economic transformation

so as to secure Kenya’s social economic development and prosperity

in line with the goals and aspirations of the Kenya Vision 2030. Peace

Diplomacy seeks to consolidate Kenya’s legacy in promoting peace

and stability as necessary conditions for development and prosperity in

countries within the region. Environmental Diplomacy recognizes Kenya’s

enormous stake in the sustainable management of its own natural

resources, both regionally and globally. Cultural Diplomacy aims to use

culture as a vital tool in international relations especially through the

use of cultural heritage and endowments as the pedestals of our foreign

engagement. Lastly, Diaspora Diplomacy recognizes the importance of

harnessing the diverse skills, expertise and potential of Kenyans living

abroad, and facilitating their integration into the national development

agenda. These pillars inform the core priorities and strategies for our

bilateral and multilateral engagement so as to strengthen relationships,

enhance social cultural cooperation and promote our national interests.



In line with our objectives of promoting and protecting Kenya’s interest

abroad, the Government of Kenya has established a total of 54 diplomatic

missions in 49 countries and appointed 25 Honorary Consuls who

provide support and assistance in promoting Kenya’s interest abroad. In

order to sustain this momentum and to engage effectively with the rest

of the world, we will continue to expand our diplomatic presence and

strengthen our representation abroad in strategic locations.

In order to integrate foreign policy in the national development agenda

as envisaged in the Kenya Vision 2030 and the Medium Term Plans, ve-

year strategic plans will be developed to ensure realization of the set

priorities through effective implementation of the specic strategies. The

policy will be subjected to regular reviews to ensure it remains relevant

to the rapidly changing global environment.

This Policy was developed in a consultative and participatory manner

in line with the constitutional requirements of public and stakeholder

participation and engagement. I would like to thank all those who

contributed to its development and subsequent nalization in one

way or the other. I would like to sincerely commend the Ministry staff

both at the Ministry headquarters and in our missions abroad, who

under the leadership of the Principal Secretary dedicated their time

towards nalization of the Policy. I further acknowledge the input of

the National Assembly, Government Ministries, Departments and

Agencies, professionals, other stakeholders and the general public for

their invaluable input towards its nalization. Your contribution helped

in shaping Kenya’s foreign relations and engagements. Thank you very

much.

AMB. (DR.) AMINA C. MOHAMMED, CBS, CAV

CABINET SECRETARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD 3

PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT 5

ACRONYMS 8

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 9

CHAPTER ONE

KENYA FOREIGN POLICY FRAMEWORK 11

Preamble 12

Policy Context 12

Policy Objectives 17

Guiding Principles 17

Philosophy and Values 18

Sources informing the Kenya Foreign Policy 18

CHAPTER TWO

PILLARS OF KENYA’S FOREIGN POLICY 19

Peace Diplomacy Pillar 20

Economic Diplomacy Pillar 21

Diaspora Diplomacy Pillar 23

Environmental Diplomacy Pillar 23

Cultural Diplomacy Pillar 25

CHAPTER THREE

INSTITUTIONAL AND IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 27

Implementation strategies 27

Bilateral Relations 27

Regional Integration 27

Multilateralism 29

Public Diplomacy 29

Institutional Framework 30

CHAPTER FOUR

MONITORING AND EVALUATION 31

ACRONYMS

AU African Union

AUPSC African Union Peace and Security Council

ACP/EU Africa Caribbean Pacic Countries/European Union

COMESA Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa

CITES Convention on International Trade on Endangered

Species

EAC East African Community

EPAs Economic Partnership Agreements

ERS Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and

Employment Creation

EU European Union

G77 Group of 77 developing countries and China

ICGLR International Conference on the Great Lakes Region

ICT Information and Communication Technology

IGAD Inter-Governmental Authority on Development

IOR-ARC Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation

MDGs Millennium Development Goals

MEAs Multilateral Environmental Agreements

MTP First Medium Term Plan (2008 – 2012) of Vision 2030

NDP National Development Plan

OAU Organization of the African Unity

RECs Regional Economic Communities

UN United Nations

UNEP United Nations Environment Programme

UN-HABITAT United Nations Human Settlements Programme

UNON United Nations Ofce in Nairobi

WTO World Trade Organization

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This document outlines Kenya’s Foreign Policy as it has evolved since

independence in 1963. It underscores the underlying philosophy and

values, main sources and inuences, guiding principles, objectives and

core priorities, strategies and the implementation framework.

The decision to publish a reference document on Kenya’s foreign policy

is informed by the need to promote public awareness of the country’s

foreign policy predisposition to ensure consistency and effectiveness

in pursuit of our national interests against the background of new

opportunities and emerging threats in the modern world. The policy

identies objectives and priorities of Kenya’s foreign policy as well as

strategies for promoting Kenya’s interests in an increasingly complex and

competitive global environment.

Kenya’s long struggle for national liberation laid strong foundations for

the country’s foreign policy orientation which establishes an inextricable

link between national independence and humanity’s larger freedom,

equity and a shared heritage. Kenya’s recognition of its obligations as

the cradle of mankind, custodian of a common heritage and protector of

rare species (both ora and fauna) necessitates a pragmatic approach

in the management of foreign relations. The foreign policy approach

further establishes the strong belief that Kenya’s future is inextricably

linked to the stability and security of the immediate sub-region which is

the mainstay of its nationhood, prosperity and livelihoods of its citizens.

This pragmatic approach adheres to several principles which shaped

decision making in building sustainable foreign relations since

independence. Over the last ve decades, Kenya’s foreign policy has

undergone transition in response to the emerging trends in international

affairs such as globalization, regional integration and security threats to

new and non-conventional global peace and stability.

Kenya’s Foreign Policy is driven by a Vision of ‘A peaceful, prosperous

and globally competitive Kenya’ while the Mission is “To project, promote

and protect Kenya’s interests and image globally through innovative

diplomacy, and contribute towards a just, peaceful and equitable world.”

The policy is driven by national values and aspirations of the Kenyan

people as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya. Other sources informing

Kenya’s Foreign Policy include the Kenya Vision 2030 and its Medium

Term Plans, Sessional Papers, Manifestos of the ruling political parties;

Executive pronouncements and Circulars, among others.

Kenya’s Foreign Policy aims to achieve several national objectives, inter

alia to: Protect Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; Promote

integration; Enhance regional peace and security; Advance the economic

prosperity of Kenya and her people; Project Kenya’s image and prestige;

Promote multilateralism; Promote the interests of Kenyan Diaspora and

partnership with the Kenyans abroad.

Kenya’s foreign policy is anchored on ve interlinked pillars that

characterize her bilateral and multilateral engagement. These pillars are

Peace, Economic, Diaspora, Environmental and Cultural.

The Peace pillar seeks to consolidate Kenya’s legacy in cultivating peace

and stability as necessary conditions for development and prosperity. The

Economic pillar aims to achieve robust economic engagement in order

to secure Kenya’s socio-economic development and prosperity that will

ensure our nation becomes a middle income and industrialized economy

by the year 2030. The Diaspora pillar aims to harness the diverse skills,

expertise and potential of Kenyans living abroad, and facilitating their

integration into the national development agenda.

The Environmental pillar underscores Kenya’s commitment to sustainable

management of the environment and shared natural resources while the

Cultural pillar seeks to use culture as a vital tool to promote a favourable

image and prestige for the country globally.

The core priorities of Kenya’s Foreign Policy which are anchored on the

above ve pillars are: to enhance global peace and security; to promote

economic development and prosperity; to take a leadership role in

addressing global environmental issues; to expound Kenya’s rich culture

as an avenue to promoting understanding and better relations; and to

enhance Kenya’s stature in the international affairs. Kenya shall seek

to strengthen bilateral relations, foster regional integration and support

strategic partnerships at the continental and multilateral levels.

CHAPTER ONE

KENYA FOREIGN POLICY FRAMEWORK

Preamble

Since the end of the Cold War, the world has witnessed drastic changes

in international politics and rules of diplomatic engagement Fundamental

shifts have occurred in the conguration and realignment of global

power relations with the emergence of a multi-polar world order and

the increasing inuence of emerging economies in global affairs.

Similarly, the transformation of the Organization of African Unity into the

African Union has created new opportunities for Africa. The emerging

governance, peace and security architecture has provided a framework

that ensures a stable continent and creates an enabling environment for

sustainable development. To maximize on the ensuing socio-economic

development and avoid marginalization, Africa is strengthening regional

integration as a tool for leveraging on continental cooperation and

stability. Kenya recognizes that she is an integral part of the African

Continent and acknowledges that her national interest is intrinsically

linked to Africa’s stability, unity and prosperity.

In the modern globalized world, our common humanity has become a

constant element. Kenya therefore places great emphasis on cooperation,

collaboration and building partnerships. Deriving from this, Kenya’s

Foreign Policy orientation is geared towards improving and enhancing

mutually benecial bilateral networks and multilateral relations with

other regions of the world. The relationships will ensure Kenya’s national

interests are guaranteed in order to secure Kenya’s socio-economic

priorities.

Policy Context

Kenya’s long struggle for national liberation from colonialism set a strong

foundation for its foreign policy orientation. The architects of our Republic

underscored the inextricable link between national independence and

humanity’s larger freedom, equity and the inalienable right to a shared

heritage.

Kenya assumed its place as a sovereign state and actor in international

relations upon independence in December 1963. Since then, Kenya’s

foreign policy has been guided by a strong belief that our own future

is inseparable from the stability and security of our environment as the

basic source of national survival and prosperity.

The benchmarks guiding the country’s relations with the world were

set by the imperative to re-align its goals at the international level to

the turbulent and shifting dynamics of a divided world during the Cold

War era (1945-1989). Even though Kenya’s liberation struggle enhanced

the country’s international image and stature, paradoxically, this heroic

history also risked playing into the East-West ideological divide.

In order to strategically place the country in the international arena,

the architects of Kenya’s foreign policy charted a pragmatic approach,

informed by several principles, which have stood the test of time. This

approach has ensured that Kenya successfully forges mutually benecial

alliances with the West while constructively engaging the East through

its policy of positive economic and political non-alignment.

The phenomenon of globalization also led to emergence of an

international network of social and economic systems has had both

positive and negative effects in the foreign policy. The need to effectively

respond to globalization necessitated changes in Kenya’s foreign policy

orientation. While offering new economic opportunities especially in the

elds of science, technology and communication, globalization has led

to competition for capital ows, shrinking market access and economic

marginalization of developing economies.

As the world has globalized, so have new global security threats far removed

from the classical notion of inter-state conict. Kenya has experienced

the direct impact of these threats which include transnational organized

crime, terrorism, piracy, drug and human trafcking, proliferation of

small arms and weapons, and money laundering amongst others. This

has therefore compelled Kenya to nd new anchors for the conduct of

its foreign relations. With international terrorism now elevated into a

foremost threat to global security, combating this scourge has become

a crucial agendum of Kenya’s external relations and a subject of its

strategic partnerships.

Kenya also recognizes the effect of environmental problems such as global

climate change, the buildup of greenhouse gases, toxic chemicals, and

pesticides; species extinction; deforestation; and marine degradation

and poaching which continue to pose a threat to the prosperity, health,

and security of global citizens. Kenya has in response elevated its

environmental agenda into one of its foreign policy pillars.

Kenya’s current world view is also informed by a number of critical

political developments and particularly protracted conicts and the

disintegration of African states which had hitherto been held together

by cold war politics. These conicts dene perhaps the most critical

foreign policy transition with the emergence of peace diplomacy as a

major strategic response to widespread civil wars, the implosion of the

state, radicalism and other forms of extremism threatening national and

regional peace, security, stability and prosperity.

The other causal factor for a major foreign policy transition has been the

expansion of the space for regional and continental diplomacy. The rebirth

of the African Union in 2002 and the creation of its new structures such as

the AU Peace and Security presented opportunities for collective action

to resolve regional conicts and stabilize the continent as a pre-condition

for shared socio-economic regeneration. Kenya seeks a lead role in the

renewed African Renaissance which underlies the current quest for a

stronger Africa able to address the challenges and ensure sustainable

development. This has been made more pronounced by the refocusing

of the African Union from supporting liberation to spearheading Africa’s

development and integration.

A nal transition in Kenya’s Foreign Policy revolves around the increasingly

important role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as critical

tools for regional integration. Kenya continues to play a lead role in fast

tracking regional and continental integration so as to boost intra-African

trade as part of the efforts to reduce economic marginalization of Africa

in the global economy. The overarching objective is the improvement

of Kenya’s competitiveness for foreign direct investments and that

of its export products, increase of market access and developing its

attractiveness as a leading tourist destination. At the international level,

Kenya seeks to diversify its economic relationships and partnerships

with increased focus on the emerging economies and economic zones.

These efforts collectively have sown the seeds of Kenya’s new era of

economic diplomacy which seeks to promote a pragmatic approach that

best illustrates commitment to strengthen relations with all countries

and regions based on shared mutual interests.

In pursuing its national interests in the international arena, Kenya

continues to enjoy a favorable international prole arising from its

strategic location, sustained stability, strong political institutions, sound

economic policies, dynamic environmental strategies and highly educated

and skilled human resources. Other positive attributes are outstanding

performance by Kenya’s sports persons and the increasing involvement

of Kenyans abroad in national development.

Policy Objectives

Kenya’s foreign policy seeks to pursue the following national objectives:

a) Protect Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity;

b) Promote sub-regional and regional integration and co-operation;

c) Enhance regional and global peace and security;

d) Advance the economic prosperity of Kenya and her people;

e) Project Kenya’s image and prestige;

f) Promote international cooperation and multilateralism;

g) Promote and protect the interests of Kenyans abroad; and

h) Enhance partnership with the Kenya Diaspora and descendants.

These objectives will be pursued through ve key inter-linked pillars of

Kenya’s Foreign Policy.

Guiding Principles

The execution of Kenya’s Foreign Policy and the conduct of her

international relations are guided by the following principles:

a) Sanctity of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic

of Kenya;

b) Peaceful co-existence with neighbours and other nations;

c) Resolution of conicts by peaceful means;

d) Promotion of regional integration;

e) Respect for the equality, sovereignty and territorial integrity of

states; and

f) Respect for international norms, customs and laws.

Philosophy and Values

Kenya’s Foreign Policy is guided and driven by a Vision of “A peaceful,

prosperous and globally competitive Kenya” while the Mission is “To

project, promote and protect Kenya’s interests and image globally

through innovative diplomacy, and contribute towards a just, peaceful

and equitable world”.

The policy is inspired and guided by the following national values and

aspirations of the Kenyan people as enshrined in the Constitution of

Kenya:

a) Unity in Diversity;

b) Honour and Patriotism;

c) Peace and Liberty;

d) Justice and Equity;

e) Quest for Prosperity; and

f) Harambee Spirit (pulling together).

Sources informing the Kenya Foreign Policy

Though Kenya has in the past not had a written single foreign policy

framework document, the conduct of Kenya’s foreign relations has been

informed by various ofcial documents, and executive pronouncements

and circulars, including the following:

a) The Constitution of Kenya;

b) The Sessional Paper No. 10/1965 on African Socialism and its

Application to Planning in Kenya;

c) The Sessional Paper No. 1/1986 on Economic Management for

Renewed Growth;

d) Manifestos of the ruling political parties;

e) National Development Plans;

f) Kenya Environmental Policy, 2013

g) Kenya Vision 2030 and its Medium Term Plans; and

h) International Treaties, Conventions, Agreements and Charters

CHAPTER TWO

PILLARS OF KENYA’S FOREIGN POLICY

Kenya’s Foreign Policy rests on ve interlinked pillars: Peace diplomacy

pillar; Economic diplomacy pillar; Diaspora diplomacy pillar, Environment

diplomacy pillar and Cultural diplomacy pillar.

Peace Diplomacy Pillar

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 conicts by peaceful means;

2) Collaborate with other African countries to strengthen the conict

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 conict 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, conict 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.

Economic Diplomacy Pillar

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 ows 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.

Diaspora Diplomacy Pillar

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 objectives of this pillar are to:

1. Provide effective and responsive consular services;

2. Facilitate Kenyans Abroad to participate in national development;

3. Promote the access by Kenyans to the international labour market;

4. Utilize outstanding Kenyans, and

5. Tap into the skills and resources of the Kenyans Abroad for national

development.

Environmental Diplomacy Pillar

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 ora 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.

Cultural Diplomacy Pillar

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.

CHAPTER THREE

INSTITUTIONAL AND IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK

Implementation strategies

In the modern globalized world, interconnectedness and interdependency

are a reality. Kenya therefore recognizes the importance of strengthened

bilateral relations, regional cooperation and enhanced multilateral

engagement as fundamental components of its foreign policy and entry

points for achieving its national interests.

Bilateral Relations

Kenya continues to embrace bilateralism in pursuing its foreign policy

objectives through bilateral trade, political, environmental and cultural

agreements with other countries. Among priority countries are East Africa

Community member states which are Kenya’s strategic trading partners.

These countries host a signicant number of Kenyans expatriates and

remain the focus of the Kenyan business community. Kenya will also

seek to enter into bilateral partnership with countries in other African

sub-regions within the context of its afro-centric foreign policy.

The implementation of bilateral arrangements with foreign countries

beyond Africa forms a critical component of Kenya’s Foreign Policy

agenda which lays emphasis on emerging economies and economic

zones. Kenya will further strengthen its bilateral diplomacy through

establishment of diplomatic missions in countries of strategic importance

and exchange of high level visits. Further the promotion and protection

of the interests of the large number of Kenyans abroad will continue to

inform the strengthening of bilateral relations with other countries.

Regional Integration

Regional integration has a key of advantages to Kenya which includes

regional stability and increase in trade among others. Therefore regional

integration will continue to be one of the cornerstones of Kenya’s Foreign

Policy. The East African Community (EAC), Inter Governmental Authority

on Development (IGAD), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa

(COMESA) and the African Union (AU) are Kenya’s principal avenues for

pursuing its foreign policy goals.

1. The East African Community (EAC). The EAC is Kenya’s

most important foreign policy vehicle and her major trading

and investment bloc. Guided by the vision of shared prosperity

with its neighbours, Kenya will continue to strengthen ties with

the EAC countries. Kenya will therefore continue to play its

rightful role in fast tracking the EAC integration through the full

implementation of the provisions of all common instruments.

2. The Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD):

As a founder member of IGAD, Kenya will continue to provide leadership

and support to IGAD as an effective regional tool for confronting

challenges to sustainable development in the region. Strategic

interventions include mobilization of international support to enable

IGAD to consolidate regional peace and stability, and strengthen

its capacity to effectively address regional environmental issues.

3. The Great Lakes Region: Kenya is an active member of the

International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and

a signatory to the Peace and Security Pact which seeks to achieve

sustainable peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region. Sustainable

peace in this region is critical to the development of the region.

Kenya recognizes that sustainable peace and security is critical to

the development of the Eastern and Central African countries

and will therefore seek to promote its regional peace agenda.

4. The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa

(COMESA): Kenya has been an active member of COMESA since its

inception in December 1994. As the largest African regional economic

bloc, COMESA is of strategic importance to Kenya’s economic

diplomacy. It provides an extensive market for Kenyan exports and

is a major source of investment opportunities for Kenyan investors.

The regional bloc is also a key player in Africa’s integration agenda

through tripartite negotiations with EAC and SADC to establish the

grand Free Trade Area. Kenya will therefore, continue to support

the strengthening of COMESA as a leader in continental integration.

5. The African Union (AU): Kenya will uphold the provisions of the

AU Constitutive Act and the realization of its strategic objectives.

As a foreign policy priority, Kenya will continue to play its role in

strengthening of the AU and its institutions in accordance with the

AU Vision 2063. As a member of EAC, IGAD and COMESA, Kenya

particularly supports the AU agenda which seeks to boost intra-

African trade and realization of Africa’s potential as a pole for global

economic growth. Kenya will also continue to support Africa’s strategic

partnerships with other regions aimed at promoting global peace

and security and achieving the sustainable development agenda in

the Post-Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) period.

Multilateralism

Kenya will continue to promote the principles of the United Nations (UN)

Charter and play its rightful role in supporting the work of the United

Nations system in the promotion of international peace and security,

trade, human rights and democracy, refugees, sustainable development

and the reform of the UN system. In this regard, Kenya will forge greater

collaboration with the United Nations system and other international

institutions and bodies. Kenya’s foreign policy also identies the reform

of the United Nations system to make the world body more responsive

to all countries and regions of the world with equal representation in its

organs and institutions as a top priority.

Kenya will also continue to effectively engage with the Commonwealth,

South-South Cooperation, Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional

Cooperation (IOR-ARC) and other multilateral organizations to promote

international cooperation and collaboration in nding lasting solutions

to global challenges and in helping transformation of the multilateral

system to reect the diversity of our nations, and to ensure its centrality

in global governance. In addition, Kenya will continue to defend and

advance her overall international policy goals through robust engagement

at the World Trade Organization to create a predictable, transparent and

enabling environment for fair multilateral trading system.

Public Diplomacy

In a competitive and complex world, public diplomacy is essential to

actively promote Kenya’s image, values and culture abroad. The Kenya

foreign policy approach therefore embraces use of available technologies

and platforms, especially social media networks to communicate with

stakeholders on the country’s Foreign Policy.

Kenya will also continue to provide institutional support and capacity

building in the region through regional technical cooperation programme

under the Kenya Regional Technical Cooperation Fund.

Institutional Framework

To achieve Kenya’s Foreign Policy objectives and priorities, the following

institutions are fundamental:

a) The Executive comprising of:

(i) The Presidency.

(ii) The Cabinet.

(iii) Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

(iv) Relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

b) Parliament, County Governments, Ofces of Retired Heads of

State/Government and other Statesmen; and

c) Any other relevant institutions, ofces and instruments.

CHAPTER FOUR

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Monitoring and evaluation shall be an integral part of the Kenya Foreign

Policy. Monitoring and evaluation of the Kenya Foreign Policy will establish

whether its intended purpose is being achieved, challenges facing its

implementation, what corrective actions may be needed to ensure

delivery of results and whether its making any positive contribution to

the sustainable development of the country. The Ministry will develop

strategies for the implementation of the objectives of the Kenya Foreign

Policy which will be the basis of monitoring and evaluation in order to

ensure continued pursuit of Kenya’s national interests.

The Ministry shall establish mechanisms for tracking the implementation

and progress towards attainment of the objectives of this policy,

providing feedback that will enable updating and reviewing the policy

as need arises.