Kenya celebrates 60 years of global diplomacy, peacekeeping

 Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs will hold events from November 26 to December 7, to commemorate 60 years of Kenya’s diplomatic successes.

Since gaining independence in 1963, Kenya has played a key role in global diplomacy, focusing on unity, peace and economic integration.

The country began its diplomatic journey in 1964 with the establishment of six missions in Beijing, Moscow, London, Bonn, Cairo and New York.

 Today, Kenya operates 68 missions worldwide.

“Kenya continues to lead in peacekeeping, having participated in 43 missions worldwide,” said Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in a press conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, November 26.

“Our commitment to global stability is unwavering.”

Mudavadi noted that Kenya’s selection to the United Nations Security Council for a third term in 2021 demonstrated its influence in global governance.

The country also hosts the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, which is recognised as the global environmental capital.

In 2025, Nairobi will see an increase in UN staff as part of ongoing reforms.

Public events during the celebrations will include an open day at the ministry headquarters, a presidential address and various conferences and exhibitions on the country’s foreign policy.

 Other events include tree planting at Ngong Road Forest and a diaspora conference.

“Through these events, the public will better understand the scope of diplomacy and the role they play in shaping Kenya’s foreign policy,” noted Mudavadi.

The celebrations will culminate in Eldoret on December 7, with the Run for Education Cross-country race.