After a series of concerns over the country’s diplomatic policies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, embarked on a journey of fixing the image.

In a notice issued by the National Assembly, Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s-led ministry submitted a Session Paper No. 1 of 2025 on the Foreign Policy of the Republic of Kenya which was tabled in the House and referred to the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations.

Before submitting the findings and implementation of the proposals contained in the sessional paper, the National Assembly asked Kenyans to submit their views.

“It is notified that Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025 on the Foreign Policy of the Republic of Kenya seeks to enhance the country’s standing as a regional leader and an effective advocate of Africa’s interests at a global stage,” the notice read in part.

Some proposals

According to the notice, the Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025 seeks to protect Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and promote regional and global peace and security.

It also seeks to advance the country’s development agenda and economic prosperity, and position Kenya as a leader in environmental and climate action.

Promoting sub-regional and regional integration and cooperation, international cooperation multilateralism and active participation in global governance are also the key proposals contained in the paper.

Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is looking to enhance the voice of Kenyans in the diaspora and promote and protect their interests and welfare abroad.

Kenya’s diplomatic gaffes

The decision of African presidents to pick Djibouti candidate Mahamoud Ali Youssouf for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position over former Prime Minister Raila Odinga exposed some underlying diplomatic issues.

Raila carried out a well-oiled campaign which was evident during the first round of voting. However, he eventually lost to Djibouti’s candidate raising questions on Kenya’s diplomacy.

Various experts raised different issues regarding the failure and the message it sent to the country. Some attributed the loss to the ongoing DRC conflict where they fingered President William Ruto for neglecting Pan-Africanism after his call to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.

The decision by SADC to endorse Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar also played a part in Raila’s loss with experts tying it to the ongoing DRC conflict and President Ruto’s involvement.

Ruto’s decision to stand with Israel was also cited as among the issues that soiled Raila’s chance as most African countries are pro-Palestine led by South Africa which lodged a case at the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the invasion.