Press briefing by CS Foreign and Diaspora Affairs

Guided by our foreign policy goals, a key mandate is strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations. High-level visits, inbound and outbound, are a critical lever to facilitate meaningful dialogues aimed at enhancing relations that include; trade and investment opportunities in technology, agriculture, and infrastructure. 

Notable among them are:

State visit to Japan by H.E. the President during which an Exchange of Notes was signed, providing a grant of Ksh 3 billion (¥3,056,000,000) to enhance the KEMRI research capacity. 

A state visit from Uganda resulted in the signing of a Tripartite Agreement on the importation and transit of refined petroleum products, the resolution of several Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), and the establishment of a landmark Agreement for the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Malaba by Kenya and from Malaba to Kampala by Uganda. 

Official visit to the United Republic of Tanzania during which fourteen Non-Tariff Barriers were resolved.

A state visit to Ghana where multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed.

State visit to Zimbabwe where Kenya secured corporate tax exemptions for Kenya Airways, among others.

State visit to the United States of America which centered on key areas of cooperation, including trade and investment, climate change, security, health, and technology, and designation of Kenya as a major non-NATO partner reinforcing Kenya's role as a regional leader in the region. 

The visit to Ethiopia focused on revitalizing the 2012 Special Status Agreement, 

A state visit from Somalia facilitated the opening of vital trade channels, expanding aviation connectivity and enhancing market access.

State visit from Poland, an MOU was signed regarding the Tax Solidarity Programme, unlocking financing for various projects. 

The visit to South Sudan's main focus was on peacebuilding to revitalize the Tumaini initiative, as well as the development of regional infrastructure under the LAPPSET projects.

In light of growing demand, we have also expanded our diplomatic footprint by opening a new Embassy in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Rabat in Morocco, and a Consulate General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In the year ahead, we shall open a Consulate General in Guangzhou, China, as well as in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. 

On the multilateral front, Kenya has made significant strides in strengthening her multilateral engagements through active participation in various international organizations. 

On the sidelines of the recent 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, The “Summit of the Future” in September, H.E. President William Ruto held a High-Level Side Event on the Global Plastic Treaty (which Kenya co-hosted with UNEP and the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC) Secretariat); and the inaugural Steering Committee Meeting of African Green Industrialization Initiative (AGII). During the event, Kenya advanced critical national and continental positions including the Nairobi Declaration on the Africa Climate Summit, the African Renewable Energy Strategy (ARES) and specific outcomes of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change General Assembly (UNFCCC), positions that we continued to advance at the recently concluded COP29 in Baku, which resulted in an increase in climate financing from 100 Billion to 300 Billion Dollars.

Additionally, Nairobi’s stature as a diplomatic and multilateral hub has grown exponentially.

It now hosts 109 resident diplomatic missions, and 

148 intergovernmental and international organizations, 

This year, Nairobi hosted 

The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA6), 

54th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH 54), 

Inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS23) Connected Africa 2024 Summit (CAS24), 

Africa Summit for International Development Association (IDA21 Replenishment), 

Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit, 

Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank, and the Inaugural Schools Meals Coalition Taskforce meeting. 

On regional and continental integration, we have placed a high premium and prioritized regional and continental collaboration. Our active participation in the African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) made a significant contribution to the development of cross-border trade protocols.

Kenya’s leadership in these institutions has fostered stronger ties with neighbours and advanced our shared vision for stability and prosperity through conflict resolution in the region and Africa at large. Notable highlights include the election of President Dr. William Ruto, in February 2024, to spearhead the institutional reforms at the African Union that would aid in the realization of the ‘Africa We Want’ as outlined in the agenda 2063, in addition to being the Chairman of the Committee of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). 

Further during the recent EAC Heads of State Summit in November 2024, H.E. the President was elected Chairman of the EAC affirming the growing demand for Kenya’s leadership at the regional, continental, and global level. 

Additionally, in recognition of our role in the AU, we have offered the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga for African Union Commission Chairperson given his Pan-Africanist credentials, his suitability, his vast networks across Africa, and his proven competence to lead Africa’s premier continental organization.

Turning to economic diplomacy, our engagement with foreign investors has resulted in increased funding for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are vital for job creation and poverty alleviation. Key milestones in our economic diplomacy include:

A commitment to build secure and resilient supply chains in the Semiconductor industry during the state visit to the United States of America. Kenya is the first African country to benefit from the International Technology Security and Innovation Fund, created by the CHIPS and Science Act (2022) of the United States of America. 

Additionally, the Coca-Cola company announced an investment into Kenya of USD175 million, and 

The USAID announced a grant of USD600,000 to the Vivo Fashion Group.  

At the Forum for China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in September 2024, to diversify access to concessional financing for infrastructure development, 

Kenya deposited the instrument of accession to the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). 

Kenya also signed a USD. 274 million bilateral agreement with China Development Bank for the construction of 15 rural roads across the country which will stimulate economic activities and create job opportunities.

Kenya received USD 500,000 towards the refurbishment of classrooms destroyed by flooding in various parts of the country as well as Ksh. 360 million worth of rice for flood victims;

Kenya is also set to receive an allocation of USD 100,000,000 towards enhancing health sector infrastructure;

Held discussion with China for continued collaboration of regional infrastructural projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), including the construction of Rironi-Mau Summit expressway, among others and,

Extension of the SGR to Kisumu and Malaba.

At the state visit to Japan in February 2024, Japan agreed to provide Kshs. 15 billion towards the Olkaria Geothermal Development Project and an additional Ksh.1 billion for the ⁠production of medical oxygen for various hospitals. Further, Japan committed to continued financing of both Dongo Kundu Infrastructure Ecosystem which would attract entrepreneurs from all over the world, and the Mombasa Gateway Bridge at an amount of KSh260 billion.

While at the Korea/Africa Summit, Kenya joined the International Vaccine Institute as the 26th State Party. In the same Forum, the International Vaccine Institute undertook to elevate IVI’s Country Office in Nairobi to serve as the Headquarters for Advancing Vaccine End-to-End Capabilities (AVEC) initiative in Africa. This, as stated earlier, will enhance Nairobi as a multilateral hub, and create jobs and skill-up knowledge in vaccine production. Additionally, Kenya signed a loan agreement for the Konza Digital Media City project amounting to USD 130 million under the Korea Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF). In addition, a grant of USD 4.46 million to implement the K-Rice project in Kenya was signed.

In September 2024, at the sidelines of the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum Further, the Ministry facilitated the signing of the Grant Agreement between Kenya’s Biovax Institute and Indonesia’s Biopharma. Production of vaccines locally in Kenya would facilitate the realization of the BETA agenda towards universal health care in Kenya.

On peace and security, Kenya has consistently prioritized pursuit of peace as a key driver for development. In the region, we have actively engaged in diplomatic efforts and peacekeeping support missions aimed at resolving conflicts and promoting dialogue among nations. Amongst these are; the ongoing Tumaini Peace Initiative which holds promise for the stability of South Sudan. 

As a member of the community of nations, Kenya is leading the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti. The first batch of two hundred police officers arrived in June 2024. The second batch of one hundred and eighty-two (182) were deployed in July 2024, bringing the total number to 381 troops as of 28th July 2024. Another six-hundred sixteen (616) personnel recently completed their training and are ready for deployment. By supporting Haiti, we are addressing the urgent challenges of violence and instability, contributing to the restoration of law and order.

Regarding Diaspora engagement, to secure job opportunities, their rights, welfare, and dignified employment, we have negotiated and concluded bilateral labour agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Germany, and Austria. Negotiations are ongoing with the United Arab Emirates; Kuwait, Oman; and Canada, to facilitate job placements.

Two weeks ago, we launched the revised Kenya Foreign Policy document dubbed “Twiga Diplomacy” aligning Kenya’s diplomatic efforts with current global trends and challenges. The Policy document will further be translated into Kiswahili to enhance awareness in what has come to be popularly known as “Foreign Policy Mashinani,” to ensure accessibility and ownership across the country. Thereafter, a nationwide sensitization campaign will be rolled out to engage citizens on the significance of the policy in shaping Kenya’s future and showcase the opportunities on how they can plug in its implementation. As part of its effective implementation and uptake, a Sessional Paper has been drafted and currently undergoing internal validation and soon stakeholder engagement and finally tabling in Parliament for consideration. 

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs (SDDA) facilitated the signing of three Agreements on labour mobility;

A Comprehensive Mobility and Migration Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Kenya and the Federal Republic of Germany where Kenya will compete for 250,000 jobs.

A Bilateral Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Kenya and the Government of the Republic of Austria.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) in Germany for the provision of Remote jobs for Kenyans.

We have secured the placement of 1,733 Kenyans in the United States of America, United Kingdom, and Germany in various fields such as hospitality, medical and agricultural sectors.

Launched the Mukulimas Majuu Programme which has seen 2000 young agricultural students work in mechanized farms in the Uniked Kingdom. Through the Mwalimu Majuu Program, the department facilitated the recruitment and placement of sixty-seven (67) teachers to the US, through Placement Consultancy, a Kenyan Diaspora-owned recruitment Agency in Maryland, US. Established partnerships with The Ontario Fruits and Vegetable Growers Association (OFGVA) for the recruitment of seasonal workers through the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP). Launched the NCLEX-RN Test Center in Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, facilitating the licensure of Kenyan nurses for the United States, Canadian, and Australian markets. This initiative represents a key step in expanding opportunities for Kenyan healthcare professionals and aligning them with international standards in the nursing field.

The Department established the Diaspora Skills and Technology Transfer Program, a platform for the Kenyan diaspora to participate in nation-building through the skills they acquired abroad during their stay. The program will be piloted through Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH), and Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital under the Department for Medical Services at Nairobi City County Government.

The Government of Kenya has facilitated the voluntary evacuation of over 800 Kenyans from Lebanon between August to 13th December, 2024. 

In terms of the Diaspora Remittances, in the first five months of 2024, Kenyans living abroad sent home KShs 260 billion ($2 billion), which was an 18.9% increase from the same period in 2023. In September 2024, remittance inflows were KShs 54.4 billion (US$418.5) million, which was a 22.9% increase from September 2023. Remittances from the Diaspora are projected to increase to USD 4.9 billion for 2024, an increase from USD 4.1 billion from the last year. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners and stakeholders who have supported our journey. As we approach the festive season, we wish everyone a joyful and peaceful celebration, and a prosperous New Year ahead. Together, let us continue to build a brighter future for Kenya and strengthen our ties with the international community. 

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