• He stated that 2024 promises to be a year filled with dynamic milestones in advancing Kenya’s foreign policy agenda, a journey marked by both challenges and exciting developments.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, on December 20, 2024, shared significant updates on the ministry’s engagements, emphasizing the importance of transparency and public accountability. He stated that 2024 is a year filled with dynamic milestones in advancing Kenya’s foreign policy agenda, a journey marked by both challenges and exciting developments.

“This briefing is in line with our commitment to keep Kenyans, fully appraised on our engagements as an accountability tool to the public. As we approach the closure of 2024, I will reflect on key highlights of our achievement in advancing Kenya’s foreign policy agenda, noting that 2024 has been significant and eventful in many ways, but also equally exciting,” said Mudavadi.

According to Mudavadi, a critical mandate for the ministry is strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations. Mudavadi spotlighted various high-level visits as essential for fostering meaningful dialogues that enhance trade and investment opportunities in technology, agriculture, and infrastructure. Notable engagements included President William Ruto's state visit to Japan, which resulted in a Ksh 3 billion grant to bolster KEMRI's research capacity.

Additionally, a visit from Uganda led to the signing of a Tripartite Agreement for the importation and transit of refined petroleum products, addressing several Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and establishing a landmark agreement to extend the Standard Gauge Railway to Malaba and from Malaba to Kampala.

Mudavadi notes that during an official visit to Tanzania, fourteen NTBs were resolved, while a state visit to Ghana resulted in multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). A visit to Zimbabwe secured corporate tax exemptions for Kenya Airways, and a state visit to the United States focused on cooperation in trade, climate change, security, health, and technology, further designating Kenya as a major non-NATO partner.

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Mudavadi also mentioned the revitalization of the 2012 Special Status Agreement during a visit to Ethiopia, and a visit from Somalia that opened vital trade channels and enhanced aviation connectivity.

Additionally, a state visit from Poland culminated in an MOU regarding the Tax Solidarity Programme, unlocking financing for various projects. Lastly, a visit to South Sudan concentrated on peacebuilding efforts to revitalize the Tumaini Initiative and the development of regional infrastructure under the LAPPASET projects.

In light of increasing diplomatic demands, Mudavadi noted the expansion of Kenya’s diplomatic footprint, with new embassies opened in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and Rabat, Morocco, along with a consulate general in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Looking ahead, he announced plans to open a Consulate General in Guangzhou, China, and in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Mudavadi emphasized that Kenya has made significant strides in strengthening its multilateral engagements through active participation in various international organizations. “We have positioned ourselves as a leader in driving collaborative solutions to global challenge’s, ensuring that our voice is heard on the international stage.”