Kenya envoys should market country as a business, investment choice

The diplomats should also be appointed based on merit so that they can play the expanded mandate effectively. [iStockphoto]

Kenya should re-engineer its diplomatic engagement to fit in an increasingly globally competitive environment. It should voraciously pursue economic diplomacy that puts the private sector and other key players at the centre stage.

This has been a key missing ingredient in the current state. Economic diplomacy has become a tool for many countries' foreign engagements worldwide and Kenya should not be left out. Ambassadors, high commissioners, and consul generals stationed all over the world should, therefore, play an immensely crucial role in promoting trade, and marketing our country as a destination of choice for international business and investment.

Also, they should help our business community to access markets and opportunities globally to enable the country to overcome trade barriers and compete successfully in the international arena. For the diplomats to play these crucial roles, there is a serious need to recruit more support staff in our foreign embassies and train diplomats on how to execute our foreign policy meaningfully.

The diplomats should also be appointed based on merit so that they can play the expanded mandate effectively. It is very unfortunate that in Kenya, every time there is a regime change, diplomats are appointed largely as rewards for their political inclinations. Developing countries are employing economic diplomacy to drive faster economic development, especially in Africa. Economic Diplomacy promotes a country's foreign and financial relations to support its growth.

Countries embracing economic diplomacy successfully have increased collaboration between State and non-official agencies. They have also increased the importance of global bodies such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO). They have been keen on negotiating free trade and preferential trade agreements and accords covering investments. They have also been keen on tax and financial related issues among others. Nairobi should endeavour to be more influential globally - be a "world-leading" global player. The country is heralded as a key strategic partner due to its role in enhancing regional stability.

Kenya's prominence in regional mediation and security provision, and its role in championing East Africa's integration for shared economic and security benefits underpin its significant clout in Africa.

Kenya is now one of the most favourable investment destinations on the continent, with a growing profile in conferencing and tourism. There has also been improved access and demand for Kenyan exports. The African Economic Outlook indicates that Kenya remains a leading Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) destination in Africa. Kenya has also continued to post one of the fastest growth rates on the continent, with an annual average growth of 5.9 per cent between 2010 and 2018. Noteworthy, the Kenyan economy grew by 6.7 per cent in 2021.

This puts the country well on track to realise the aforementioned double-digit growth rates by, or even before, 2030. There is a need to encourage and forge more partnerships to open up the country to more players. Chinese enterprises, which have transformed the continental trade and infrastructure are a clear demonstration of how Africa has a vast potential for prosperity if it engages more actors.

Diplomacy has a role to play in unlocking financial support from other countries to create a bigger pool.