KISUMU, Kenya, October 15th – The inaugural Foreign Policy Mashinani forum, organised by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs (MFDA), has officially opened its doors to the public in Kisumu. The forum aims to enhance residents’ understanding of the country’s foreign policy.
The two-day event at the Mama Grace Onyango Social and Cultural Centre features engaging presentations and discussions on key issues regarding bilateral relations, foreign investments, and safely seeking job opportunities abroad.
This initiative serves as a launching pad for a nationwide rollout aimed at improving relations among devolved units, citizens, and the Ministry. The lakeside city was selected as this starting point because of its significant potential in the blue economy and its role as an entrepreneurial gateway to Uganda and Tanzania.
Thus, the forum will provide an excellent foundation for Kenya’s diplomatic policies to be inclusive, starting from the grassroots level, for the benefit of all citizens.
On behalf of the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir Sing’oei, the Head of Delegation, Ambassador Josphat Maikara, emphasized their commitment to involving every Kenyan in the diplomatic process as outlined in the Bottom-Up Transformative Agenda (BETA).
“”We aim to simplify complex concepts for our people, allowing them to gain significant benefits in areas such as cross-border trade, job creation, cultural exchange, and improved understanding of security issues,” stated Ambassador Maikara, who also serves as the Director General of Political and Diaspora Affairs.
According to the Ministry’s officials, through the robust and visible diplomacy, coupled with President William Ruto’s foreign visits, the country continues to attract investors, unlock markets, and foster bilateral cooperation. They informed the participants that they have also instructed Kenyan embassies to aggressively market the huge potential in the 47 counties.
His counterpart, Secretary for Diaspora and Welfare Affairs, Ambassador Hellen Gichuhi, said that about Sh 4.6billion is contributed by the diaspora through foreign exchange.
“We are focused on ensuring safe migration, protection of migrant workers, and structured diaspora investment. This will prevent human trafficking, exploitative recruitment, and advise against unregulated remittances,” she said in an interview with the media.
She added that they have also translated the foreign policy into Kiswahili and can be shared through the use of a QR Code to make it easier for many Kenyans to understand.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Owili said that county developments can realize good growth through strong support from the diplomatic missions.
“I would like to propose to the MFDA to consider posting their officials to the counties to have a firsthand experience with the various investment opportunities,” he said.
Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworoa added that the program will have given the locals a perfect opportunity to understand diplomatic issues in solving different challenges faced, especially among the fisherfolk in Lake Victoria.
