Foreign Policy
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was established immediately. Kenya attained independence in 1963, for the purpose of formulating and managing Kenya’s foreign policy.
Initially, the Ministry remained a “Ministry of State for Foreign Affairs” under the Office of the President until 1969 when it became a full-fledged Ministry headed by a Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Since its establishment in 1963, the Ministry has continued to pursue a foreign policy that is based on fundamental principles, particularly, promotion of peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and adherence to the Charters of the United Nations and the African Union.
More information on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is available at www.mfa.go.ke.
The conduct of foreign policy in Kenya is a prerogative of the Head of State the Chief Executive (President). These powers are rested in the Presidency by section 16 of the Constitution of Kenya, Amendment Act No. 28 and in Section 23 of the Constitution. Consequently, the Chief Executive is the initiator, articulator and director of foreign policy. The Foreign Ministry’s responsibility is that of advice and execution in consultation with the President. Factors Influencing Kenya’s Foreign Policy include: Security/Political, Economic Advancement or Development, Geo-Political Factors, Kenya and Regional Integration, COMESA, East African Community, (more on EAC www.eachq.org), Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) (More on Igad www.igad.org), New Partnership for Africa’s Development, Kenya-ACP/EU Relations, Kenya and Multilateralism, Kenya and Commonwealth, Kenya and OAU/AU. (Read more on www.mfa.go.ke).