Kenya ups diplomatic push for African Union Commission Chair position

Addressing the African Diplomatic Corps in Nairobi on Monday, Mudavadi said Kenya will use its leadership of the AUC to foster ties, including in trade and investments, between African countries.

"Kenya is determined to strengthen its position within the African Union Commission,"  he said, highlighting the country's commitment to building a more interconnected and prosperous Africa.

Kenya aims to participate in the upcoming AUC elections in 2025 to leverage its position within the African Union to champion institutional reforms and advance the Pan-African Agenda. 

Trade and investment are key focal points in Kenya's bilateral relations, particularly within the framework of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Dr Mudavadi highlighted Kenya's active participation in the AfCFTA, citing examples of successful trade partnerships with other African countries. 

"Kenya, one of the pilot countries in the implementation of the AfCFTA, exported its first goods of locally made car batteries and tea to Ghana in October 2022,"  he said.

Over the past year, Kenya has actively engaged in diplomatic exchanges, facilitating numerous official visits and signing Memoranda of Understanding with various African countries. These efforts reflect Kenya's proactive approach towards advancing its foreign policy agenda, with a particular emphasis on deepening relations with its African counterparts.

"Africa forms the core of Kenya’s foreign policy," stated Hon. Mudavadi, emphasizing the significance of mutual coexistence and cooperation among African nations.

Key initiatives such as the removal of visa requirements for all countries effective January 1, 2024, exemplify Kenya's commitment to fostering intra-Africa trade and unity.  He assured the diplomats of Kenya's determination to address concerns about the new visa regime to ensure a seamless transition.

"I am aware that the implementation of the visa-free regime has its teething challenges but I assure Your Excellencies that we are aware of these concerns which continue to be addressed and soon we will have flawless regime," Dr Mudavadi said.

Kenya will also support the twenty-first replenishment of the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA21), which will raise additional resources to support Africa’s development needs. In April, President William Samoei Ruto will host a Heads of State Summit jointly organized by the Government and the World Bank to drum up support for this course, said Dr Mudavadi. 

Furthermore, Kenya has also taken proactive steps to address pressing global issues such as climate change, peace and security.

Through initiatives like the Africa Climate Summit and hosting key regional meetings, Kenya seeks to amplify Africa's voice on the global stage and address challenges that disproportionately affect the continent.

Mudavadi urged African countries to step up efforts to resolve regional conflicts that have caused an unprecedented humanitarian crisis across all African regions.

Over 15 countries including four in the Horn of Africa, have experienced conflicts in the recent past, leading to acute food insecurity and displacement of millions of people. Millions of children are out of school due to insecurity in their home areas, he said. 

As Kenya rallies support from its African counterparts, it reaffirms its commitment to promoting solidarity, unity, and cooperation for the collective benefit of the continent. The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude and a call for continued collaboration to advance Africa's shared aspirations.

The diplomatic push by Kenya signals its proactive approach towards shaping the future of the continent and underscores its commitment to fostering a more integrated and prosperous Africa.