The Kenyan government will use the country’s diplomatic missions abroad to build a stable and strong economy according deputy president Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking on Tuesday, after hosting new ambassadors, high commissioners, consuls-general, and deputy heads of mission in Karen, Nairobi, the deputy president said that the Ruto Administration recognizes this critical role of the envoys and the government wants to reap maximum benefits from the foreign missions.
“Our diplomatic missions promote, protect, and project the image of Kenya abroad. They have a direct contribution to the optimal performance of our trade, remittances from Kenyans abroad, foreign direct investment, strategic partnerships, among others,” Gachagua said.
The Deputy President urged the envoys to put more emphasis on economic diplomacy as they begin their new roles and assignments in representing Kenyan interests abroad.
“Indeed, their optimal performance will propel our country’s diplomatic profile as a strategic investment destination on the global stage,” he said.
Additionally, he urged the envoys to plan on expanding trade opportunities, seeking bilateral labor agreements, and increasing direct investment for more jobs for Kenyans abroad.
“We want you to study the current volumes of trade. In a year, there must be a shift in capturing new markets and retaining the existing ones. There must be a difference. Your contracts are pegged on deliverables from the gains in volume of trade and secured jobs, among others,” he added.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, attended the meeting. Others were Cabinet Secretaries Alfred Mutua (Tourism), Simon Chelugui (Cooperatives), Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Singoei Korir, and his Diaspora counterpart Roseline Njogu.
