Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ahead of the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council, where African Foreign Ministers will discuss issues affecting the continent.

Mudavadi announced his arrival on Monday, July 27, 2026, through a post on his official X account, saying Kenya remains committed to strengthening African cooperation and advancing solutions led by the continent.

“Africa’s future is shaped by the decisions we make together. Every engagement at the African Union is an opportunity to strengthen the continent’s collective voice, deepen regional cooperation and unlock new opportunities for our people,” Mudavadi wrote.

The AU Executive Council meeting, scheduled for July 28 and 29, will bring together Foreign Ministers from member states to deliberate on key areas, including peace and security, regional integration, sustainable development and Africa’s engagement with the international community.

Mudavadi said the discussions would help shape decisions on issues that affect the continent’s future, adding that Kenya would continue supporting efforts aimed at building a united and competitive Africa.

“Kenya remains committed to advancing African-led solutions and championing a united, prosperous and globally competitive continent,” he said.

Kenya’s diplomatic agenda

Beyond attending the AU Executive Council meeting, Mudavadi’s visit to Addis Ababa will also focus on Kenya’s diplomatic priorities, including seeking support for two Kenyan judicial candidates seeking positions in international courts.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary is expected to use engagements with African Foreign Ministers to rally backing for Judge Phoebe Okowa, Kenya’s nominee for the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and Justice Njoki Ndung’u, the country’s candidate for the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Both candidates are seeking election for the 2027–2036 term.

Kenya believes the two nominees have the professional experience and legal expertise required to represent Africa in global justice institutions.

Judge Phoebe Okowa is an expert in public international law and serves as a judge at the International Court of Justice. She is also a professor of public international law at Queen Mary University of London and has served in international legal bodies, including the United Nations International Law Commission.

Justice Njoki Ndung’u, a Supreme Court judge, has also played a major role in Kenya’s legal reforms. She previously served as a nominated Member of Parliament and was involved in the development of key legal frameworks, including the Sexual Offences Act of 2006. She was also a member of the Committee of Experts that drafted Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.

Kenya hopes that support from African countries will strengthen the chances of both candidates securing seats in the international courts.

Bilateral talks and regional issues

During the Addis Ababa visit, Mudavadi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers and senior government officials from other African countries.

The discussions will focus on strengthening diplomatic ties, expanding trade and investment partnerships, promoting regional peace and security, and advancing cooperation within the African Union.

Mudavadi will also participate in the Ministerial Committee on African Candidatures within the International System, where Kenya represents the Eastern Africa region alongside Uganda.

The committee coordinates African support for candidates seeking positions in international organisations and institutions.

Kenya has continued to push for stronger African representation in global decision-making bodies, arguing that increased participation would allow the continent to play a greater role in shaping international policies.

The AU Executive Council meeting will also contribute to preparations for future continental engagements, including discussions on African Union reforms and cooperation between the AU and regional economic communities.

Mudavadi said the outcomes of the meeting would have a direct impact on areas such as trade, investment, regional stability and economic opportunities for African countries.

“Every engagement at the African Union is an opportunity to strengthen the continent’s collective voice,” he said.