Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has assured Kenya’s diplomatic partners of the country’s political stability, economic resilience and continued commitment to regional integration, peace and security.
Speaking during the quarterly Diplomatic Briefing to the Diplomatic Corps at Serena Hotel, Nairobi, Mudavadi outlined Kenya’s priorities as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election while positioning the country as a key economic, diplomatic and security hub on the continent.
Mudavadi said the Government was committed to ensuring that the August 10, 2027 General Election is safe, free and peaceful, urging the diplomatic community to support Kenya’s constitutional institutions and democratic processes.
“The Electoral Commission must be allowed to discharge its constitutional mandate independently and professionally. We should not seek to discredit the Commission,” Mudavadi said.
He said democracy is sustained by strong institutions and respect for established rules rather than individual interests, adding that the Government was strengthening inter-agency coordination to identify and address emerging security threats ahead of the elections.
He pointed to the launch of the Uchaguzi Bila Noma roadmap by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission as part of efforts to promote a violence-free electoral process.
“Those who threaten peace and security will be held firmly accountable in accordance with the law, regardless of their political affiliation and status in society,” he said.
Economy remains resilient
On the economy, Mudavadi presented Kenya as a resilient and increasingly attractive destination for investment, noting that real Gross Domestic Product grew by 5.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 4.9 per cent during the corresponding period the previous year.
He said foreign exchange reserves stood at US$14.9 billion, equivalent to 6.2 months of import cover, while the Nairobi Securities Exchange crossed the KSh4 trillion market capitalisation mark for the first time.
At the same time, the Prime CS called on the diplomatic community to deepen engagement with the Kenya Development Corporation and the Nairobi International Financial Centre to facilitate investment linkages between Kenya and their respective countries.
He said Kenya was seeking to diversify and increase value-added exports, expand trade and investment, facilitate technology transfer, advance the digital economy and strengthen local manufacturing.
“Kenya is more than a destination for capital. It is strategically positioned to serve as a manufacturing base and a launchpad for digital growth across the continent,” Mudavadi said.
He also highlighted the Government’s efforts to establish long-term financing mechanisms through the National Infrastructure Fund and Sovereign Wealth Fund, inviting international partners to explore public-private partnerships and co-investment opportunities.
Kenya clarifies position on EAC nationals
Mudavadi also used the diplomatic forum to clarify Kenya’s position on the recent measures affecting small-scale trade and informal retail.
He said the directives announced by President William Ruto on September 2 were intended to protect vulnerable sectors of the economy, promote fair competition and safeguard the livelihoods of Kenyan citizens.
Importantly, he stressed that Kenya was not implementing a blanket ban on foreign nationals engaging in small-scale business.
“Kenya is open to small and large-scale trade by foreign nationals, as long as they are compliant with immigration, work-permit, registration and licensing requirements,” he said.
