Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi Outlines Kenya’s 2024 Diplomatic Achievements

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, has highlighted Kenya’s key diplomatic milestones for 2024 while charting a path for greater international engagement in 2025.

Speaking at a national address in Nairobi, Dr. Mudavadi, alongside senior ministry officials, outlined major achievements in bilateral and multilateral relations, economic diplomacy, diaspora engagement, and peace initiatives. He emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and the importance of keeping the public informed on Kenya’s foreign policy agenda.

Key Diplomatic Achievements
Dr. Mudavadi cited several high-profile state visits that have bolstered Kenya’s international standing. These included President William Ruto’s visit to Japan, where Kenya secured a Ksh. 3 billion grant to support research at KEMRI. Kenya also signed a Tripartite Agreement with Uganda on petroleum product transit and expanded the Standard Gauge Railway to Malaba and Kampala.

Other key engagements included bilateral visits to Tanzania, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and the United States, all aimed at fostering trade, infrastructure, and security partnerships.

Multilateral Relations and Global Leadership
Kenya reinforced its role in global diplomacy by hosting major international forums, including the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA6) and the Africa Climate Summit. Kenya also played a key role in global discussions on climate change, with President Ruto advocating for climate financing and action on plastic pollution at COP28 and the Summit of the Future.

Expansion of Kenya’s Diplomatic Footprint
Kenya expanded its global reach by opening new diplomatic missions in Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Rabat (Morocco), and a Consulate General in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). Plans are underway to establish consulates in Guangzhou (China) and Port-au-Prince (Haiti) to strengthen Kenya’s global presence and trade links.

Economic Diplomacy and Investment
Dr. Mudavadi highlighted the government’s success in securing major investment deals, including a USD 175 million commitment from Coca-Cola and a USD 274 million agreement with China Development Bank for rural infrastructure projects. Kenya also forged key partnerships in technology, health, and education, which are expected to boost economic growth and job creation.

“Through strategic economic diplomacy, Kenya continues to attract investments that contribute to job creation, poverty alleviation, and overall national development,” he said.

Diaspora Engagement and Remittance Growth
The government ramped up efforts to support Kenyans living and working abroad. Key labor agreements were signed with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Germany, and Austria, creating more employment opportunities for Kenyans. Diaspora remittances grew significantly, with USD 2 billion received in the first five months of 2024 — an 18.9% increase from the previous year. Full-year remittances are projected to hit USD 4.9 billion.

Commitment to Peace and Security
Kenya’s role in regional peace and security remained pivotal. Dr. Mudavadi highlighted Kenya’s contributions to the Tumaini Peace Initiative in South Sudan and the deployment of police officers as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, aimed at stabilizing the violence-stricken nation.

Looking Ahead to 2025
Dr. Mudavadi thanked Kenya’s international partners for their continued support and urged Kenyans to remain united as the nation advances its diplomatic and development goals.

“We are proud of the progress we have made this year. Together, let us continue building a brighter future for Kenya and strengthening our ties with the international community,” he concluded.

With an expanded diplomatic footprint, enhanced economic diplomacy, and a strong commitment to peace and climate action, Kenya is well-positioned for a more influential role on the global stage in 2025 and beyond.