Diaspora Committee Endorses Kenya’s 2024 Foreign Policy, Pledges Full Support for Implementation
The Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee has formally endorsed Kenya’s newly developed Foreign Policy (KFP) and pledged to support its full implementation. This announcement came during a roundtable discussion held in Nairobi, where committee members engaged with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, and the State Department for Labour and Skills Development.
The discussion was led by Hon. Lydia Haika, Member of Parliament for Taita Taveta and Committee Chair, who assured the Ministry that the Committee would advocate for the policy’s adoption and even support related budgetary matters when they reach Parliament. The meeting focused on the policy’s broad objectives, which include improving the welfare of Kenyans both at home and abroad.
Ambassador Lucy Kiruthu, Director General of Foreign Services, highlighted that the revised Kenya Foreign Policy places a strong emphasis on the welfare of Kenyans. “The main goal of this policy is to improve the livelihoods and welfare of all Kenyans, whether at home or in the diaspora,” said Ambassador Kiruthu. She urged the Committee to actively support the policy once it is presented to the House.
The updated KFP prioritizes several key areas, including **Peace and Security Diplomacy**, **Economic and Commercial Diplomacy**, **Science, Technology, and Innovation Diplomacy**, **Environmental and Climate Change Diplomacy**, **Diaspora Diplomacy**, **Socio-Cultural Diplomacy**, **Global Governance and Multilateral Diplomacy**, and **Judicial and Parliamentary Diplomacy**.
Hon. Simon Kingara, the Committee Vice-Chair, expressed strong support for the policy, underscoring its critical role in the country’s development. “The development of a comprehensive foreign policy is of immense importance, and we stand ready to support its implementation,” Kingara stated.
Hon. Pamela Njoki and Hon. Justice Kemei focused on the significance of **Technology and Innovation Diplomacy**, pointing out that partnerships in this area could create new job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and improve the overall welfare of Kenyans.
Hon. Zamzam Mohammed emphasized the importance of **Diaspora Diplomacy**, stating that it would be crucial in advancing Kenya’s interests internationally. She noted that strengthening Kenya’s presence in international organizations and securing employment for Kenyans in strategic positions could greatly benefit the nation.
In her closing remarks, Committee Chair Hon. Haika reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to supporting the Ministry in Parliament. “This Committee will be your ambassador in Parliament, and we affirm our unwavering support, including in budget matters,” she concluded.
The pledge by the Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee signals strong backing for the new Kenya Foreign Policy as the government looks to strengthen its global presence and improve the welfare of Kenyans both domestically and abroad.
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