Speaking when he hosted former ambassadors at his Railways office, Mudavadi said the country must ensure that our foreign policy reflects the aspirations and needs of all Kenyans.
“We want a Kenyan Foreign Policy that is people-based and captures the dreams and aspirations of the country,” said Mudavadi.
The meeting served as a platform to address pressing issues confronting Kenya’s diplomatic service and solutions to enhance its effectiveness in today’s global landscape.
The discussions highlighted the urgent requirement for a Veterans Act to provide comprehensive support for retired diplomats.
Mudavadi recognized the wealth of expertise the former ambassadors possessed and noted that the knowledge should not be allowed to fade away.
Mudavadi said there was a growing disconnection between the diplomatic service and the younger generation of Kenyans, particularly those in the Gen Z demographic, who constitute 70 percent of the population.
“We cannot afford to overlook the voices of our youth in shaping foreign policy. Listening to the recent conversations around the table and juxtaposing them with the recent upheavals by Gen Z, it seems we have never answered certain fundamental questions about foreign service,” Mudavadi said,
He said young Kenyans were questioning the rationale behind the President’s foreign trips, asking, “Why is he engaging with people outside the country and not with us, the Gen Z?”
“These inquiries are essential for improving the government’s and its citizens’ relationship. We have a big task as diplomats to respond to those questions,” he asserted.
PCS encouraged the retired ambassadors to help bridge this gap and facilitate a greater understanding of foreign service among the Kenyan populace.
