The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has rolled out a countywide initiative to deepen citizens’ understanding of Kenya’s foreign policy and diplomatic agenda.
Dubbed Kenya Foreign Policy Mashinani, the three-day forum in Kisumu, the first of its kind, seeks to bridge the gap between diplomacy and devolution by linking foreign policy with county economic priorities, including trade, blue economy ventures, and diaspora investment.
Director General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs in the State Department for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Josphat Maikara said the initiative aims to break down the policy to members of the public and particularly the county governments by helping local leaders and residents understand how Kenya’s international engagements can attract investors, create jobs, and boost county economies.
“Foreign Policy Mashinani is a deliberate effort to take diplomacy to the people. We want Kenyans to see the direct connection between the President’s engagements abroad and development at the local level,” he said.
Speaking in Kisumu on Monday during a courtesy call on Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa, Amb. Maikara said the Ministry targets to use the forum slated for Tuesday and Wednesday at Mama Grace Onyango Social Centre to help county governments and the private sector in the regions to translate diplomacy into development.
Amb. Maikara who is leading the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs delegation at the forum on behalf of Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Abraham Korir said Kisumu was selected for the inaugural forum because of its strategic position as a regional trade hub and gateway to the East African Community through Lake Victoria.
He said Kenya’s embassies abroad are being encouraged to actively market counties as investment destinations by profiling their comparative advantages from agribusiness and tourism to renewable energy and manufacturing. “We are integrating county priorities into Kenya’s foreign policy agenda.
“That means when our missions abroad speak to investors, they will be guided by the unique opportunities in our devolved units,” he said. The ministry, he added, has translated Kenya’s foreign policy into Kiswahili to make it more accessible and help citizens appreciate how diplomacy shapes trade, security, and development.
Speaking during the same occasion, Deputy Director General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs Ambassador Lucy Kiruthu, who led the team that drafted Kenya’s updated foreign policy document, said the outreach aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“Kenya Foreign Policy Mashinani translates diplomacy into tangible opportunities for ordinary Kenyans. We are creating synergies between the top and the bottom ensuring that people at the grassroots understand why the President travels abroad and how those visits bring investments and opportunities back home,” she said.
Hellen Gichuhi, Secretary for Diaspora Welfare and Partnership said the ministry was working with counties to identify viable sectors where diaspora capital can be channelled – including housing, education, health, and agribusiness – while promoting safe migration and protecting Kenyans working abroad.
The forum, she added, will be an eye-opener to Kenyans seeking jobs abroad adding that the ministry officials will be at hand to highlight some of the issues to avoid to guarantee safety of those seeking jobs abroad. “We are also ensuring Kenyans move in a regular and protected manner where their skills and education are recognized. Safe migration translates into sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili, who also hosted the delegation, welcomed the initiative, saying it will help counties position themselves for international partnerships.
“This is the first time the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coming down to the counties to engage directly with citizens. It’s a chance for us to showcase Kisumu’s potential in the blue economy, tourism, and innovation,” he said.
Dr Owili highlighted ongoing foreign-linked projects in Kisumu such as a Sh1 billion housing investment by Wema Magharibi, a U.S.-based group, and Zipline, an American firm operating drone-based medical deliveries. He also pointed to a neurosurgical camp run every three months by Kenyan and American doctors as a sign of how global collaboration can directly improve lives.
Dr Owili urged the Ministry to use Kenya’s diplomatic networks to attract investors into lake transport, value addition, and aquaculture, and to push for a lasting solution to disputes affecting fishermen on Lake Victoria, including the Migingo Island issue.
“Our counties have a lot to offer, but we need strong diplomatic backing to attract investment and protect our people. The Mashinani initiative is a step in the right direction,” he said. He asked the ministry to consider posting staff in the counties which have witnessed a high number of diplomatic missions visiting to acquaint themselves with existing investment opportunities.
“This is the only ministry that does not have representation in the regions. We receive so many ambassadors and sometimes we don’t know what to do. It is necessary for the ministry to post officers to the counties to help us understand how to go about some of these issues,” he said.
Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa hailed the forum as timely, noting that residents often grapple with cross-border issues, especially on Lake Victoria.
“This is a great opportunity for the public to understand how foreign policy touches our daily lives from the blue economy to peace and labour issues. We have had many challenges, including arrests of fishermen in the lake, and we hope these discussions will help find lasting diplomatic solutions,” she said.
By Chris Mahandara
