Kenya Foreign Policy - Ministry Of Foreign Affairs
Kenya Foreign PolicyNovember, 2014
FOREWORDThe finalization of the Kenya Foreign Policy marksa milestone achievement for our nation. It is thefirst time since our independence that Kenya hasa written foreign policy. The policy provides abroad framework on Kenya’s foreign relations anddiplomatic engagements within a contemporaryglobalized environment. The policy furtheroutlines the evolution of our foreign relationsand engagements with our partners over the lastfive decades and its future strategic direction toensure the achievement of the collective aspirations of Kenyans, bearingin mind the critical role of foreign policy in meeting national priorities.Its publication is a culmination of a highly participatory and consultativeprocess and it is benchmarked on international best practices in foreignpolicy.The Vision driving Kenya’s Foreign Policy agenda is the pursuit of ‘Apeaceful, prosperous and globally competitive Kenya’ while the Missionis “To project, promote and protect Kenya’s interests and image globallythrough innovative diplomacy, and contribute towards a just, peacefuland equitable world”.The foreign policy objectives are informed by our common desire fora peaceful, united and prosperous country as embodied in Kenya’sNational Anthem, the Constitution and Kenya Vision 2030. Throughthe foreign policy objectives, Kenya seeks to promote and safeguardnational, regional and international peace and security and protect oursovereignty and territorial integrity. As a country, we will continue tosupport the work of regional, international and multilateral organizationsin finding lasting solutions to conflict and terrorism activities for a freeand secure world.In pursuing the country’s socio-economic and political interests,Kenya will seek to promote sub-regional and regional integrationand cooperation emphasizing intra-African trade as the cornerstonefor Africa’s socio-economic and political unity. Through economicdiplomacy, Kenya will continue to strengthen and consolidate its tradeand investment links with traditional partners while exploring new trade5
and investment partners in order to expand access of Kenyan productsto foreign markets, while at the same time increasing investments forour country. Through this policy, we seek to deepen our engagementand partnerships with the Kenyan Diaspora in order to leverage andharness their skills and expertise for national development. As a country,we will also continue to contribute to sustainable management of theenvironment by confronting the impact of contemporary environmentalchallenges such as global climate change, ozone layer depletion, oceanand air pollution, and resource degradation. Our rich and diverseculture will be used to promote friendship and mutual understandingat the national, regional and international level to promote positive andsustainable economic activities and trade relations especially throughmutually beneficial cultural exchanges. The outlined objectives willcontinue to shape Kenya’s interaction and engagement with the outsideworld in order to maximize the benefits from its diplomatic engagementat all levels.The successful actualization of the policy calls for a coherent andcross-sectoral approach and a coordinated response across all levelsof government, private sector and other non-state actors. Towards thisend, all Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies and organswhose functions and responsibilities in one way or another impact onKenya’s foreign relations are expected to work closely with the Ministryof Foreign Affairs and International Trade together to make this policya reality.Finally, in publishing this policy the Government reaffirms its unwaveringcommitment to promote an open and pro-citizens policy formulationprocess. The policy also ensures that necessary measures are put inplace to effectively promote the interests of Kenya and her nationals inits foreign relations and diplomatic engagements.UHURU KENYATTA,PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA6
PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs and InternationalTrade is mandated to pursue Kenya’s foreignpolicy and international trade affairs inaccordance to the Constitution of Kenya, with theoverarching objective of protecting, promotingand projecting the nation’s interests abroad.In pursuing of this objective, my Ministry hasdeveloped this Foreign Policy to guide Kenya’sforeign relations and diplomatic engagementswith our partners. The Policy is inclined towardsupholding the country’s sovereignty, promoting universal peace andfostering better relations with our neighbors, the rest of the Africancontinent and the world at large. In this regard, Kenya will continueto consolidate and strengthen its foreign relations and diplomaticengagements with other countries as well as international and multilateralorganizations at the regional, continental and international level.This Policy is anchored on five interlinked pillars of diplomacy namely:Economic; Peace; Environmental; Cultural and Diaspora. Economicdiplomacy aims to realize a robust and sustained economic transformationso as to secure Kenya’s social economic development and prosperityin line with the goals and aspirations of the Kenya Vision 2030. PeaceDiplomacy seeks to consolidate Kenya’s legacy in promoting peaceand stability as necessary conditions for development and prosperity incountries within the region. Environmental Diplomacy recognizes Kenya’senormous stake in the sustainable management of its own naturalresources, both regionally and globally. Cultural Diplomacy aims to useculture as a vital tool in international relations especially through theuse of cultural heritage and endowments as the pedestals of our foreignengagement. Lastly, Diaspora Diplomacy recognizes the importance ofharnessing the diverse skills, expertise and potential of Kenyans livingabroad, and facilitating their integration into the national developmentagenda. These pillars inform the core priorities and strategies for ourbilateral and multilateral engagement so as to strengthen relationships,enhance social cultural cooperation and promote our national interests.7
In line with our objectives of promoting and protecting Kenya’s interestabroad, the Government of Kenya has established a total of 54 diplomaticmissions in 49 countries and appointed 25 Honorary Consuls whoprovide support and assistance in promoting Kenya’s interest abroad. Inorder to sustain this momentum and to engage effectively with the restof the world, we will continue to expand our diplomatic presence andstrengthen our representation abroad in strategic locations.In order to integrate foreign policy in the national development agendaas envisaged in the Kenya Vision 2030 and the Medium Term Plans, fiveyear strategic plans will be developed to ensure realization of the setpriorities through effective implementation of the specific strategies. Thepolicy will be subjected to regular reviews to ensure it remains relevantto the rapidly changing global environment.This Policy was developed in a consultative and participatory mannerin line with the constitutional requirements of public and stakeholderparticipation and engagement. I would like to thank all those whocontributed to its development and subsequent finalization in oneway or the other. I would like to sincerely commend the Ministry staffboth at the Ministry headquarters and in our missions abroad, whounder the leadership of the Principal Secretary dedicated their timetowards finalization of the Policy. I further acknowledge the input ofthe National Assembly, Government Ministries, Departments andAgencies, professionals, other stakeholders and the general public fortheir invaluable input towards its finalization. Your contribution helpedin shaping Kenya’s foreign relations and engagements. Thank you verymuch.AMB. (DR.) AMINA C. MOHAMMED, CBS, CAVCABINET SECRETARY8
TABLE OF CONTENTSFOREWORD 3PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT 5ACRONYMS 8EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 9CHAPTER ONEKENYA FOREIGN POLICY FRAMEWORK 11CHAPTER TWOPILLARS OF KENYA’S FOREIGN POLICY 19CHAPTER THREEINSTITUTIONAL AND IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 27CHAPTER FOURMONITORING AND EVALUATION 31Preamble 12Policy Context 12Policy Objectives 17Guiding Principles 17Philosophy and Values 18Sources informing the Kenya Foreign Policy 18Peace Diplomacy Pillar Economic Diplomacy Pillar Diaspora Diplomacy Pillar Environmental Diplomacy Pillar Cultural Diplomacy Pillar Implementation strategies Bilateral Relations Regional Integration Multilateralism Public Diplomacy Institutional Framework 20212323252727272929309
TATUNONWTO10African UnionAfrican Union Peace and Security CouncilAfrica Caribbean Pacific Countries/European UnionCommon Market for Eastern and Southern AfricaConvention on International Trade on EndangeredSpeciesEast African CommunityEconomic Partnership AgreementsEconomic Recovery Strategy for Wealth andEmployment CreationEuropean UnionGroup of 77 developing countries and ChinaInternational Conference on the Great Lakes RegionInformation and Communication TechnologyInter-Governmental Authority on DevelopmentIndian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional CooperationMillennium Development GoalsMultilateral Environmental AgreementsFirst Medium Term Plan (2008 – 2012) of Vision 2030National Development PlanOrganization of the African UnityRegional Economic CommunitiesUnited NationsUnited Nations Environment ProgrammeUnited Nations Human Settlements ProgrammeUnited Nations Office in NairobiWorld Trade Organization
EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThis document outlines Kenya’s Foreign Policy as it has evolved sinceindependence in 1963. It underscores the underlying philosophy andvalues, main sources and influences, guiding principles, objectives andcore priorities, strategies and the implementation framework.The decision to publish a reference document on Kenya’s foreign policyis informed by the need to promote public awareness of the country’sforeign policy predisposition to ensure consistency and effectivenessin pursuit of our national interests against the background of newopportunities and emerging threats in the modern world. The policyidentifies objectives and priorities of Kenya’s foreign policy as well asstrategies for promoting Kenya’s interests in an increasingly complex andcompetitive global environment.Kenya’s long struggle for national liberation laid strong foundations forthe country’s foreign policy orientation which establishes an inextricablelink between national independence and humanity’s larger freedom,equity and a shared heritage. Kenya’s recognition of its obligations asthe cradle of mankind, custodian of a common heritage and protector ofrare species (both flora and fauna) necessitates a pragmatic approachin the management of foreign relations. The foreign policy approachfurther establishes the strong belief that Kenya’s future is inextricablylinked to the stability and security of the immediate sub-region which isthe mainstay of its nationhood, prosperity and livelihoods of its citizens.This pragmatic approach adheres to several principles which shapeddecision making in building sustainable foreign relations sinceindependence. Over the last five decades, Kenya’s foreign policy hasundergone transition in response to the emerging trends in internationalaffairs such as globalization, regional integration and security threats tonew and non-conventional global peace and stability.Kenya’s Foreign Policy is driven by a Vision of ‘A peaceful, prosperousand globally competitive Kenya’ while the Mission is “To project, promoteand protect Kenya’s interests and image globally through innovativediplomacy, and contribute towards a just, peaceful and equitable world.”The policy is driven by national values and aspirations of the Kenyanpeople as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya. Other sources informing11
Kenya’s Foreign Policy include the Kenya Vision 2030 and its MediumTerm 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, interalia to: Protect Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; Promoteintegration; Enhance regional peace and security; Advance the economicprosperity of Kenya and her people; Project Kenya’s image and prestige;Promote multilateralism; Promote the interests of Kenyan Diaspora andpartnership with the Kenyans abroad.Kenya’s foreign policy is anchored on five interlinked pillars thatcharacterize her bilateral and multilateral engagement. These pillars arePeace, Economic, Diaspora, Environmental and Cultural.The Peace pillar seeks to consolidate Kenya’s legacy in cultivating peaceand stability as necessary conditions for development and prosperity. TheEconomic pillar aims to achieve robust economic engagement in orderto secure Kenya’s socio-economic development and prosperity that willensure our nation becomes a middle income and industrialized economyby the year 2030. The Diaspora pillar aims to harness the diverse skills,expertise and potential of Kenyans living abroad, and facilitating theirintegration into the national development agenda.The Environmental pillar underscores Kenya’s commitment to sustainablemanagement of the environment and shared natural resources while theCultural pillar seeks to use culture as a vital tool to promote a favourableimage and prestige for the country globally.The core priorities of Kenya’s Foreign Policy which are anchored on theabove five pillars are: to enhance global peace and security; to promoteeconomic development and prosperity; to take a leadership role inaddressing global environmental issues; to expound Kenya’s rich cultureas an avenue to promoting understanding and better relations; and toenhance Kenya’s stature in the international affairs. Kenya shall seekto strengthen bilateral relations, foster regional integration and supportstrategic partnerships at the continental and multilateral levels.12
CHAPTER ONEKENYA FOREIGN POLICY FRAMEWORK13
KENYA FOREIGN POLICY FRAMEWORKPreambleSince the end of the Cold War, the world has witnessed drastic changesin international politics and rules of diplomatic engagement Fundamentalshifts have occurred in the configuration and realignment of globalpower relations with the emergence of a multi-polar world order andthe increasing influence of emerging economies in global affairs.Similarly, the transformation of the Organization of African Unity into theAfrican Union has created new opportunities for Africa. The emerginggovernance, peace and security architecture has provided a frameworkthat ensures a stable continent and creates an enabling environment forsustainable development. To maximize on the ensuing socio-economicdevelopment and avoid marginalization, Africa is strengthening regionalintegration as a tool for leveraging on continental cooperation andstability. Kenya recognizes that she is an integral part of the AfricanContinent and acknowledges that her national interest is intrinsicallylinked to Africa’s stability, unity and prosperity.In the modern globalized world, our common humanity has become aconstant element. Kenya therefore places great emphasis on cooperation,collaboration and building partnerships. Deriving from this, Kenya’sForeign Policy orientation is geared towards improving and enhancingmutually beneficial bilateral networks and multilateral relations withother regions of the world. The relationships will ensure Kenya’s nationalinterests are guaranteed in order to secure Kenya’s socio-economicpriorities.Policy ContextKenya’s long struggle for national liberation from colonialism set a strongfoundation for its foreign policy orientation. The architects of our Republicunderscored the inextricable link between national independence andhumanity’s larger freedom, equity and the inalienable right to a sharedheritage.Kenya assumed its place as a sovereign state and actor in internationalrelations upon independence in December 1963. Since then, Kenya’s14
foreign policy has been guided by a strong belief that our own futureis inseparable from the stability and security of our environment as thebasic source of national survival and prosperity.The benchmarks guiding the country’s relations with the world wereset by the imperative to re-align its goals at the international level tothe turbulent and shifting dynamics of a divided world during the ColdWar era (1945-1989). Even though Kenya’s liberation struggle enhancedthe country’s international image and stature, paradoxically, this heroichistory 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. Thisapproach has ensured that Kenya successfully forges mutually beneficialalliances with the West while constructively engaging the East throughits policy of positive economic and political non-alignment.15
The phenomenon of globalization also led to emergence of aninternational network of social and economic systems has had bothpositive and negative effects in the foreign policy. The need to effectivelyrespond to globalization necessitated changes in Kenya’s foreign policyorientation. While offering new economic opportunities especially in thefields of science, technology and communication, globalization has ledto competition for capital flows, shrinking market access and economicmarginalization of developing economies.As the world has globalized, so have new global security threats far removedfrom the classical notion of inter-state conflict. Kenya has experiencedthe direct impact of these threats which include transnational organizedcrime, terrorism, piracy, drug and human trafficking, proliferation ofsmall arms and weapons, and money laundering amongst others. Thishas therefore compelled Kenya to find new anchors for the conduct ofits foreign relations. With international terrorism now elevated into aforemost threat to global security, combating this scourge has becomea crucial agendum of Kenya’s external relations and a subject of itsstrategic partnerships.Kenya also recognizes the effect of environmental problems such as globalclimate change, the buildup of greenhouse gases, toxic chemicals, andpesticides; species extinction; deforestation; and marine degradationand poaching which continue to pose a threat to the prosperity, health,and security of global citizens. Kenya has in response elevated itsenvironmental agenda into one of its foreign policy pillars.Kenya’s current world view is also informed by a number of criticalpolitical developments and particularly protracted conflicts and thedisintegration of African states which had hitherto been held togetherby cold war politics. These conflicts define perhaps the most criticalforeign policy transition with the emergence of peace diplomacy as amajor strategic response to widespread civil wars, the implosion of thestate, radicalism and other forms of extremism threatening national andregional peace, security, stability and prosperity.The other causal factor for a major foreign policy transition has been theexpansion of the space for regional and continental diplomacy. The rebirthof the African Union in 2002 and the creation of its new structures such as16
the AU Peace and Security presented opportunities for collective actionto resolve regional conflicts and stabilize the continent as a pre-conditionfor shared socio-economic regeneration. Kenya seeks a lead role in therenewed African Renaissance which underlies the current quest for astronger Africa able to address the challenges and ensure sustainabledevelopment. This has been made more pronounced by the ref
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 develo
KMLTTB Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board . v The Second Kenya AIDS Strategic Framework 2020/21-2024/25 KMoT Kenya Mode of Transmission KMTC Kenya Medical Training College KNBS Kenya National B
Media Articles Business Week (19 Feb 2007 issue) Doctrine: Journal of General Military Review, Issue 3 Foreign Policy in Focus, “Prospects for al-Qaeda” (24 Jan 2003) Foreign Policy (Jan-Feb 2008) Foreign Policy (March-Apr 2008) Foreign Policy (May-June 2008) Foreign Policy (Nov-Dec 2008) Foreign Policy (Sept-Oct 2008)
ME – Ministry of Economics MES – Ministry of Education and Science MEPRD – Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development MF – Ministry of Finance MH – Ministry of Health MI – Ministry of the Interior MJ – Ministry of Justice MRDLG – Ministry of Regional Development and Local Government MT – Ministry of Transport
PROSPECTS AND STRATEGIES FOR INVESTMENT PROMOTION IN KENYA. VOLUME I!: PROMOTING PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN KENYA . January 1986 . SRI Project Number IMU (550)-1463 Contract Number 615-0213 PSI 02 . Prepared for: The Investment Advisory and Promotion Centre Republic of Kenya and USAID/Kenya . By: International Policy Center
MINISTRY OF HEALTH KENYA INTERIM GUIDELINES ON HANDLING OF HUMAN REMAINS INFECTED . There is hence an urgent need to have guidance on how to control the spread of the disease in Kenya. Kenya has not been spared by the disease, with multiple cases being . its clinical course tends to be mild in about 80% of the affected population. A case
Ministry of Justice 35 Fiji Corrections Service 37 Ministry of Communications 40 Ministry of Civil Service 43 . Ministry of Health and Medical Services 60 Ministry of Housing and Community Development 64 Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation 68 Ministry of Youth and Sports 73 Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Schemes 77 Ministry .
Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, namely, Department of Space, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Earth
Tank plumb reading within API 650 tolerances easily achievable Less involvement of high capacity cranes Scaffolding costs held at minimum Hydraulic jacks connected to load by a failsafe friction grip system , saves tank if pump/ hose fails Tanks erected with jacks , less susceptible to collapse due to high winds Wind girder/roof in place, as the top shell is erected first .
