Kisumu: The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has embarked on a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing citizens' understanding of Kenya's foreign policy and diplomatic agenda. This effort, named Kenya Foreign Policy Mashinani, represents a significant step in connecting the nation's international relations with local economic priorities such as trade, blue economy ventures, and diaspora investment.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative is being led by Ambassador Josphat Maikara, the Director General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs in the State Department for Foreign Affairs. The program seeks to demystify foreign policy for the general public and county governments, highlighting how Kenya's global engagements can attract investors, create jobs, and stimulate local economies. Ambassador Maikara emphasized the importance of making diplomacy relatable to ordinary citizens by illustrating the tangible benefits of the President's international engagements on local development.
During a courtesy call in Kisumu, Ambassador Maikara outlined the ministry's strategy to utilize the forum, scheduled at Mama Grace Onyango Social Centre, to assist county governments and the private sector in transforming diplomatic initiatives into developmental opportunities. He noted the choice of Kisumu for the inaugural forum due to its strategic role as a regional trade hub and a gateway to the East African Community via Lake Victoria.
The ministry is encouraging Kenyan embassies abroad to actively market counties as investment destinations by highlighting their unique advantages in sectors such as agribusiness, tourism, renewable energy, and manufacturing. Ambassador Maikara stated that the integration of county priorities into Kenya's foreign policy is essential for guiding international investor interest towards the country's devolved units. He also mentioned that Kenya's foreign policy has been translated into Kiswahili to enhance accessibility and public understanding.
Deputy Director General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs, Ambassador Lucy Kiruthu, contributed that the outreach aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), ensuring that grassroots communities comprehend the benefits of international diplomacy. She highlighted the importance of translating diplomacy into concrete opportunities for Kenyans by creating synergies between national and local levels.
Hellen Gichuhi, Secretary for Diaspora Welfare and Partnership, discussed the ministry's collaboration with counties to identify sectors suitable for diaspora investment, such as housing, education, health, and agribusiness. She emphasized the significance of promoting safe migration and protecting Kenyans abroad, ensuring that skills and education are acknowledged to secure sustainable livelihoods.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili praised the initiative, recognizing it as an opportunity for counties to engage in international partnerships. He highlighted ongoing foreign-linked projects in Kisumu, such as a housing investment by Wema Magharibi and drone-based medical deliveries by Zipline, as examples of how global collaboration can benefit local communities. Dr. Owili also called for the ministry's diplomatic networks to attract investments in lake transport, value addition, aquaculture, and to resolve disputes affecting fishermen on Lake Victoria.
Dr. Owili urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to consider posting officers in counties frequently visited by diplomatic missions to better manage investment opportunities. He noted the absence of regional representation from the ministry as a challenge in hosting foreign ambassadors and suggested that local officers could aid in navigating these interactions.
Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa expressed support for the forum, noting its potential to address cross-border issues affecting residents, particularly those related to Lake Victoria. She hoped the discussions would lead to lasting diplomatic solutions for challenges such as the arrest of fishermen, thereby improving regional stability and prosperity.