At the dawn of our independence Kenya pursued a foreign policy based on fundamental principles of peaceful co-existence, preservation of national security, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, non-alignment, national interests and adherence to the Charter of the United Nations and the Africa Union Constitutive Act.

In 2015, Kenya embarked on the first ever written foreign policy document since independence. It was launched in January 2015. The policy is anchored on five interlinked pillars of diplomacy that guide Kenya’s relations and diplomatic engagement with the rest of the world. The five pillars are: Economic Diplomacy, Peace Diplomacy, Environmental Diplomacy, Cultural Diplomacy and Diaspora Diplomacy.

The Economic Diplomacy pillar aims to achieve robust and sustained economic transformation in order to secure Kenya’s social economic development and prosperity. The peace diplomacy pillar seeks to consolidate Kenya’s legacy in promoting peace and stability as necessary conditions for development and prosperity in countries within the region. The Environmental diplomacy pillar recognizes Kenya’s enormous stake in the sustainable management of its own natural resources, those of the region and the world. Underlying this commitment, is the urgency to confront the impact of contemporary environmental challenges such as global climate change and to provide the link between the management of shared resources and issues of security, sustainability and prosperity especially within the Eastern African and Great Lakes region. The pillar further aims to facilitate the realization of the post 2015 global development agenda.

The cultural diplomacy pillar aims to use our cultural heritage and endowments as pedestals of our foreign engagement. The exchange of ideas, values, traditions and aspects of our diverse culture and identity will be used to strengthen relationships, build broad support and create influence for Kenya’s economic and political goals enhance socio-cultural cooperation and promote our national interests. Lastly, the Diaspora diplomacy pillar recognizes the importance of harnessing the diverse skills, expertise and potential of Kenyans living abroad, and facilitating their integration into the national development agenda. These five pillars of diplomacy inform the core priorities and strategies for bilateral and multilateral engagement with a view to strengthening diplomatic relationships, enhancing social cultural cooperation and promoting Kenya’s national interests abroad.

Given that all foreign policy processes are dynamic, Kenya’s Foreign Policy will continue to focus on our immediate neighbours, the sub-region and Africa while recognizing Kenya’s role and responsibility in the international community. The Kenya Foreign Policy lays the foundation for achievement of the goals and aspirations of the Kenya Vision 2030 development blue print.