Kenya amplifies African perspectives and climate priorities in UK diplomatic engagements
By Cy Muganda, January 31, 2026Kenya’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Maurice Makoloo, has concluded a week of intensive diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening multilateralism, advancing climate action, and shaping global narratives about Africa.
In a statement posted on the Kenya in UK X account on Friday, January 30, 2026, the High Commission highlighted five key diplomatic activities undertaken during what was described as “another marathon week; run Kenyan style.”
The High Commissioner paid a courtesy call on the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, where he reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to supporting the Commonwealth’s transformative vision.
“The discussions reaffirmed the centrality of collective action, inclusivity and maintaining trust in multilateral organisations such as the Commonwealth Secretariat in ways that make them deliver socioeconomic dividends to humanity,” the statement read.
Kenya-UK Strategic partnership
Makoloo met the Africa Director at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ms Kate Foster, and the Head of the East Africa Department, Ms Vicky Seymour, to discuss concrete steps for implementing the Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership.
The discussions focused on maintaining momentum on the excellent progress made in the last year.
The High Commissioner joined a select group of Heads of Missions convened by the FCDO’s Special Representative for Climate to reflect on UNFCCC COP30 held in Brazil last year and strategies to enhance momentum towards COP31 to be held in Türkiye later this year.
“Amb. Makoloo reiterated Kenya’s continued global leadership on climate action, including the urgent implementation of the African Leaders Nairobi Declaration at the inaugural Africa Climate Summit in 2023. He further called on the inclusion of Youth in the global conversations,” the statement noted.
African unity and collective voice
The High Commissioner also attended the periodic plenary of the African Ambassadors accredited to the Court of St James’s, where issues of mutual interest for African countries were discussed.
The meeting was convened by the Dean of the Africa Group.
Amb. Makoloo met with Ms Tigist Iamare, Director of the Africa Programme at Chatham House, where both underscored the urgency of telling the full story of and about Africa.
“Africa’s agency in international affairs especially at a moment like now is critical. Ensuring the voice and representation of her Youth is urgent for co-creating sustainable solutions for humanity,” the statement concluded.