The National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations has expressed support for the Kenya Foreign Policy 2024, urging the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to prioritize diaspora engagement and align foreign policy strategies with national interests.

During a roundtable discussion led by the Committee Chair, Hon. Nelson Koech, Committee Members engaged the Prime CS and CS Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, PS, State Department on Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Roseline Njogu, and PS, State Department on Parliamentary Affairs, Ms. Aurielia Rono alongside other representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Lawmakers praised the Ministry's efforts but emphasized the need for a more structured approach to parliamentary engagements abroad.

"We need to develop a structured plan for parliamentary engagements abroad, ensuring that they align with Kenya's national interests," Hon. Koech stated. "We should also strive to build consensus within Parliament on key international issues and formalize guidelines to support MPs in representing Kenya overseas."

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Minister for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, highlighted the policy's focus on enhancing the lives of Kenyans through diplomacy. "Kenya's foreign and diplomatic engagements must be a catalyst for improving the livelihoods and welfare of every Kenyan," he said.

The policy outlines seven key focus areas: Peace and Security Diplomacy, Economic and Commercial Diplomacy, Socio-Cultural Diplomacy, Diaspora Diplomacy, Digital Diplomacy, Environment and Climate Diplomacy, and Global Governance and Multilateral Diplomacy.

Speaking on the need for a responsive foreign policy that addresses the evolving global landscape, Dr. Roseline Njogu, PS, Diaspora Affairs stated, "The revised Foreign Policy is a comprehensive framework that will guide our nation's diplomatic engagements. We are committed to implementing this policy to achieve our foreign policy objectives."

Lawmakers, including Hon. Caleb Amisi and Hon. Yusuf Hassan, stressed the importance of a dynamic foreign policy that addresses evolving global challenges. Hon. Hassan particularly emphasized the potential of the Kenyan diaspora to contribute to the nation's economic growth.

"This policy is timely, however, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs needs to enhance what its doing to build Diaspora diplomacy," Hon. Yusuf Hassan stated. "Kenyans in the Diaspora have the potential to generate increased revenue for this country."

Weighing in, Committee Vice Chair, Hon. Bashir Abdullahi said, "I laud this policy. It has come at the right time. Our nation's interests are closely linked with global issues. The evolving global landscape necessitates a more inclusive approach."

The Committee pledged to work closely with the Ministry to provide budgetary support, policy recommendations, and oversight of foreign policy implementation.

Hon. Martha Wangari added that, "We look forward to further reviewing this policy as a sessional paper. As a Committee we will continue to offer budgetary support to fund Foreign Policy programmes and operations in diplomatic missions and provide policy recommendations that shape the Foreign Policy."