The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) was established after Kenya became Independent in 1963 to articulate the nation’s foreign policy. For a long time, Kenya pursued a foreign policy based on fundamental principles of promotion of peaceful coexistence, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states and preservation of national security, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, nonalignment, national interest and adherence to the Charters of the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now the African Union (AU).
Kenya has now shifted its foreign policy orientation and the new strategy rests on four interlinked pillars of economic diplomacy, peace diplomacy, environmental diplomacy and Diaspora diplomacy.
For the Ministry to successfully effect these principles and effectively implement its core mandate and functions, a Service Charter has been developed. The Charter sets out what the Ministry is and what it does, and records its commitment and that of its staff to provide its clients with the highest quality services that a modern Foreign Service will permit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has developed a self-assessment mechanism, the Performance Contract, to facilitate delivery of efficient and effective services within predetermined targets.
1. OUR MANDATE
To develop and implement Kenya’s Foreign Policy.
2. OUR VISION
A peaceful, united and prosperous Kenya, participating fully in a just and equitable world.
3. OUR MISSION
To pursue the interests and values of the Kenyan people and those of Africa, through effective diplomatic engagement.
4. OUR CORE VALUES
The values that guide us in discharging our duties are: Patriotism, Team Spirit, Collective Responsibility, Professionalism, Discipline, Dignity, Integrity, and Equity.
5. OUR CORE FUNCTIONS
Foreign Policy, Joint Commissions with other countries, International and Regional Organisations, Kenya Missions Abroad, Foreign Missions in Kenya, Treaties, Conventions and Immunities, State and Official Visits, Protocol Matters, Consular Matters, Peace Initiatives, Pan-African Affairs, Commonwealth Affairs, International Jobs and Kenyans in the Diaspora.
Foreign Policy Orientation
Kenya’s foreign policy has been designed and guided by the following basic and universally recognised norms:
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Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states and preservation of national security.
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Good neighbourliness and peaceful coexistence.
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Peaceful settlement of disputes.
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Non-interference in the internal affairs of other states
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Non-alignment and national self-interest
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Adherence to the Charters of the UN and OAU/AU
Kenya’s foreign policy has been guided and shaped by its own national interest, grouped into three main categories:-
Security/Political
Peace and stability are a pre-requisite to social and economic development. The government’s commitment to guarantee the security of its people and the preservation of national integrity and sovereignty within secure borders underlies the desire to advance national interests by guaranteeing a secure political environment.
Economic Advancement or Development
Economic development has played a dominant role in shaping Kenya’s foreign policy. The need to pursue an open economic policy and the foreign capital and investment flows, inter-alia FDI and ODA, has influenced Kenya’s approach to foreign policy
Geo-Political Factors
Kenya’s foreign policy in the region has been shaped by factors such as the presence of overlapping ethnic communities across borders and the fact that Kenya is a littoral state of the Indian Ocean, which influences relations with landlocked neighbours.
Kenya and Regional Integration
COMESA
Kenya attaches great significance to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, as it provides a market for its manufactured products.
East African Community
The revival of the East African Community with a potential market of 83 million people will contribute towards building a competitive market and conducive environment for the flow of investment to the region.
Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
IGAD has concerted energies in addressing the issue of drought and development.
Multilateralism
Kenya supports multilateralism through the United Nations and has always preferred a multilateral approach in confronting problems on the international stage. Kenya fully subscribes to the charters of the United Nations and the African Union and seeks to work with like-minded states in the promotion of a new international political and economic order.
Commonwealth
Kenya is a member of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 54 independent states, comprising about one-quarter of the world population.
OAU/AU
Kenya subscribes to the Charter of the AU and has been an active member since 1964. Kenya has been at the forefront of regional conflict resolution initiatives in Africa.