The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is intensifying nationwide public and stakeholder engagement on the reviewed Kenya Foreign Policy 2024, positioning it as a key driver of the country’s economic transformation.
The robust policy seeks to elevate Kenya’s regional leadership and reinforce its role as a firm advocate for Africa’s interests on the global stage.
MFA is in Mombasa for a two-day public engagement forum dubbed Kenya Foreign Policy Mashinani, beginning today (26 November 2025) at the Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA). The forum marks a new chapter in people-centred diplomacy that transforms policy from an abstract concept into practical conversations.
The dialogue signals a shift in Kenya’s diplomatic approach from centralised decision-making to inclusive engagement with County Governments and the public.
A team from MFA, led by Amb. Josphat Maikara, Director General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs, on Tuesday paid courtesy calls to the Mombasa County Commissioner, Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).
Amb. Maikara said the policy outlines Kenya’s national interests and directly affects the public, hence the need to break down its contents to enhance public understanding of the country’s foreign policy priorities.
“It’s a way to encourage Kenyans to safeguard the interests of the country, promote partnership, synergy with county governments as direct foreign investments trickle down to counties,” stated DG Maikara.
He noted that the port city of Mombasa is strategically positioned to tap into opportunities in the blue economy, an emerging economic frontier, and to leverage its commercial port to spur regional economic growth. “Singapore transitioned into a world-class port through efficient management,” he added
The DG emphasized that the policy is citizen-centric, and KFP Mashinani aims to explain the public’s role in shaping foreign policy. He expressed optimism that Kenya will be re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C for the 2026–2027 term.
“It is incumbent upon you to ensure there is sustainable use of marine resources,” the DG told KMA senior officials.
Deputy Director General of Political and Diplomatic Affairs at MFA and Ambassador-designate for Thailand, Lucy Kiruthu, echoed the sentiments, noting that Mombasa is a hub for economic transformation.
She explained that the policy was reviewed in 2024 after a decade, as it no longer reflected evolving global dynamics. She underscored that the review was inclusive, integrating views from diverse stakeholders through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
She added that public engagement forums aim to demystify the policy, promote ownership, counter misinformation, and enhance public understanding.
“National interest is not for the government alone; it is for all of us. We are here to ensure that we are speaking on the same page as Kenyans. The policy seeks to project, promote and protect Kenya’s interests, and that cannot be done by the executive and MFA alone,” said Amb. Kiruthu.
Mombasa County Commissioner (CC) Mohamed Noor assured the delegation of continued support, terming the policy a game-changer, especially in labour export. The CC also reiterated the efforts made by the County Security Team in securing the Region as the peak holiday season draws nearer.
KMA Director of Maritime Safety Julius Koech noted that seafaring has immense employment potential and the Authority has been working to unlock the potential to increase the number of seafarers employed by foreign vessels.
He disclosed that KMA is one of the regional security architectures in the fight against transboundary crimes and that Kenya has ratified 34 maritime conventions out of the existing 67.
“The authority aims to foster strategic partnerships as a strategy to bridge the shortfall in the implementation of its strategic plan,” he said.
Ambassador Designate to Saudi Arabia Joseph Masila emphasised the need for government agencies to work together in advancing the country’s interests. He urged the KMA to heighten surveillance of the country’s territorial waters for trade to continue.
By Sadik Hassan
