Prime Cabinet Secretary (PSC) and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has assured Kenya’s diplomatic partners of the government’s commitment to peace and security, political stability, economic prosperity, and regional integration.
Speaking during the quarterly Diplomatic Briefing in Nairobi, Mudavadi maintained that the government was committed to ensuring that the 10th August 2027 General Election will be free, fair, and peaceful, while urging the diplomatic community to support Kenya’s constitutional institutions and democratic ideals.
“The Electoral Commission should be allowed to discharge its constitutional mandate independently and professionally,” Mudavadi emphasized, stressing that democracy is sustained by strong institutions, respect for established rules, and constitutional processes.
He said the government was strengthening inter-agency coordination to identify and address emerging threats ahead of the elections, noting that those who threaten peace and security would be held accountable in accordance with the law, regardless of their political affiliation or status.
Mudavadi observed that Kenya’s economy continued to demonstrate resilience, with real Gross Domestic Product growing by 5.3 percent in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 4.9 percent during the same period the previous year.
The Prime CS highlighted that foreign exchange reserves stood at US$14.9 billion, equivalent to 6.2 months of import cover, while the Nairobi Securities Exchange had crossed Sh4 trillion in market capitalization for the first time.
Mudavadi encouraged the diplomatic community to engage with the Kenya Development Corporation and the Nairobi International Financial Centre to strengthen connections with investors, businesses, and financial institutions in their respective countries.
He announced that Kenya was seeking to diversify and increase value-added exports, expand trade and investment, facilitate technology transfer, advance the digital economy and strengthen local manufacturing.
Mudavadi clarified the Government’s position on foreign nationals engaged in small-scale trade and informal retail, saying the directives announced on 2nd September 2026 were intended to protect vulnerable sectors of the economy, promote fair competition, and safeguard the livelihoods of Kenyan citizens.
“Kenya is not implementing a blanket ban on foreign nationals engaging in small-scale business,” he affirmed, noting that participation should be consistent with the East African Community Common Market Protocol and applicable national law.
He emphasised that Kenya remained open to both small- and large-scale trade by foreign nationals, provided they complied with immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements.
Mudavadi further assured the diplomatic community that the Government would safeguard the rights of foreign nationals, warning that anyone who threatens or interferes with foreign nationals or their businesses would face the full force of the law.
He disclosed that Kenya was preparing to host the 4th COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Summit in Nairobi, bringing together 29 countries representing more than 700 million people and a combined GDP exceeding US$1.4 trillion.
PCS announced that Kenya continues to support the aspirations of AU Agenda 2063, including the free movement of people, capital, goods and services in accordance with applicable legal frameworks.
Mudavadi highlighted the growing contribution of Kenyans abroad to investment, innovation, skills, and expertise.
He revealed that the Government was implementing the Diaspora Investment Strategy and establishing a Diaspora Investment Support Office to enhance engagement and unlock greater investment opportunities.
On Sudan, he pointed out that the crisis could not be resolved through military means and required a unified and coordinated mediation process alongside a humanitarian truce.
Mudavadi called for concerted regional and international efforts to counter terrorism and transnational crime, including preventing terrorist financing, recruitment, and radicalisation.
The Prime CS highlighted climate, food security, and public health among emerging issues requiring closer international cooperation.
He noted that Kenya had experienced below-average rainfall in cereal-producing regions, with national harvest projections indicating a decline in food production.
“The government has, therefore, strengthened preparedness, including investment in irrigation, subsidised agricultural inputs, and measures to ensure adequate food supplies,” Dr. Mudavadi stated.
He noted Kenya’s heightened preparedness against Ebola, including surveillance and passenger screening at major points of entry, while appreciating countries and institutions supporting Kenya’s national response.
Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s openness to international investors and development partners so as to position the country as a manufacturing base and launchpad for economic transformation across Africa.
By Michael Omondi
