Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi held consultations with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey at his office in Nairobi, where he underscored Kenya’s commitment to leveraging multilateral partnerships to advance national development and expand opportunities for its citizens.
The discussions reviewed preparations for the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled for 1st to 4th November 2026 in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
Mudavadi and his guest underscored the importance of CHOGM as the Commonwealth’s premier decision-making forum and highlighted its role in promoting cooperation in areas that directly support economic growth and improve livelihoods, including trade and investment, climate resilience, innovation, gender equality and sustainable development.
They also reflected on the outcomes of the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM), held in London in March 2026, noting that stronger coordination among member states enhances collective responses to global challenges while creating new avenues for economic collaboration and development partnerships.
The PCS welcomed ongoing discussions on reforms aimed at strengthening Commonwealth institutions and processes, including measures to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making and create a more structured framework for prospective members.
“A more responsive and effective Commonwealth would better position the organization to deliver tangible benefits to member states and their citizens,” he observed.
Equally, Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s support for a modern and forward-looking Commonwealth anchored on the values of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development.
The meeting also reviewed the Commonwealth Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which focuses on democratic, economic and environmental resilience.
Both leaders noted that the Plan’s priorities align closely with Kenya’s development agenda by supporting youth empowerment, expanding opportunities for women, strengthening climate adaptation, and enhancing economic competitiveness.
Additionally, the two leaders further discussed Kenya’s preparations to host the 2026 Commonwealth Ocean Ministerial Meeting (COMM) Roundtable, which is expected to strengthen Kenya’s profile as a champion of sustainable ocean governance, while creating opportunities for partnerships in the blue economy, marine conservation, climate action, and investment in coastal communities.
Secretary-General Botchwey expressed appreciation for Kenya’s continued support and commended the country’s active and constructive engagement within the Commonwealth family.
She acknowledged Kenya’s important contribution to advancing shared priorities and fostering consensus on key regional and global issues.
In the whole, the consultations reaffirmed the shared commitment to building a modern, effective and results-oriented Commonwealth that delivers practical value to its 56 member states and contributes to inclusive prosperity, sustainable development and resilience.
Present at the meeting were Kenya’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Amb. Maurice Mak’Oloo, and other senior government officials.
by Michael Omondi
