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{
    "id": 1559934,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1559934/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 925,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mandera North, UDM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Major (Rtd) Abdullahi Sheikh",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "The Committee observed that the Policy is forward-looking and constitutionally grounded. It positions Kenya as a strategic global actor, anchored in peace and security, economic diplomacy, oceans and blue economy, multilateralism, climate action, innovation, diaspora engagement and socio-cultural diplomacy, which are all aligned with our constitutional mandates. However, the Committee noted the implementation hurdles of this Sessional Paper No.1. Weak legal frameworks, institutional inefficiencies, underfunded missions, lack of labour migration policies and poor strategic communication hinder its impact. Those gaps undermine Articles 10, 16, 19 and 232 of our Constitution which call for reforms, increased funding and coherent public diplomacy strategy to protect national interest. Hon. Deputy Speaker, in conclusion, the Committee urges the House to adopt this Report and approve Sessional Paper No.1 of 2025 on the Foreign Policy of the Republic of Kenya as Kenya's Alternative Foreign Policy. Its adoption will ensure coherence across all democratic legislation and initiatives. It will fortify Kenya's voice on the global stage, advance national interest and anchor international engagement in constitutional values and strategic clarity. It is the first time we have a Sessional Paper that talks about Kenya's Foreign Policy. As a Committee, we looked at it, engaged all the stakeholders and had a retreat with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. We agreed that this is the right way to go. The document is a bit voluminous. From time to time, Kenyans and even Members of Parliament ask about Kenya's Foreign Policy. Is it documented? Is it in writing? Is it anchored in the Constitution? We now have a document that is well-grounded with a Sessional Paper. Any person who wants to discuss Kenya's Foreign Policy will refer to the Sessional Paper. People talk about Kenya. Where do we lie? Do we look East or West? I mentioned this before. As Kwame Nkrumah said, we look neither East nor West, but forward. This means that, as a country, we engage with any country that has Kenya's best interests at heart. This means our interests come first so that we can serve Kenyans, whether they are in Kenya or in the diaspora. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}