President William Ruto has detailed how he has ensured Kenya is on the global map since taking office, positioning Nairobi as Africa’s nerve centre and powerhouse.
Speaking during the New Year Diplomatic Address to Heads of Mission and International Organisations on February 9, 2026, at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto noted that Kenya has continued to deepen bilateral relations.
“In 2025, Kenya continued to deepen bilateral relations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. These engagements strengthened cooperation in trade, investment, security, migration, climate action, education, and technology. While expanding people-to-people exchanges,” Ruto stated.
In addition to the already established bilateral relations, President Ruto stated that the Country is looking forward to deepening diplomatic engagement in 2026 as bilateral cooperation frameworks advance globally.
The principles of Pan-Africanism in Kenya
Kenya promotes and sustains good regionalism to shape diplomacy as the current serving chair of the East African Community (EAC).
The country will also chair the Common Market for East and Southern Africa Authority (COMESA) this year.
At a continental level, the country contributes to Africa`s institutional strengthening, supporting ongoing efforts to enhance peace, governance, and financing.
“As African Union Champion for Institutional Reform, we have supported ongoing efforts to enhance the effectiveness, credibility, and responsiveness of the Union, particularly in the areas of peace, governance, and financing,” Ruto stated.
In addition to Kenya chairing the committee of African Heads of State and Government on climate change and overseeing the hosting of the Africa-France Summit in May 2026.
The country will host the Fourth EAC-COMESA-SADC Tripartite Summit.
Regional peace and security
Kenya plays a crucial role in the stability of the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region. The country, hence, remains actively engaged in regional and continental peacekeeping.
“In the Great Lakes Region, Kenya has played an active role in efforts to reduce tensions and advance dialogue among parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” the president said.
International initiatives, including the Washington and Doha process are reinforced and aligned with the Africa-led framework to support sustainable outcomes.
In countries such as Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia, Kenya encourages constructive dialogue between parties to enhance sustainable peace and development.
Beyond the immediate region, Kenya has continued to contribute to global peace and security in countries such as Haiti.
As the lead nation of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, the country strives to restore security, order, and law.
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Development Financing
“At the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development held in Seville, Spain, Kenya joined the international community in reviewing progress under the Addis Ababa Action Agenda while confronting emerging global financing constraints,” he stated.
President Ruto explained the urgency to reform global finance to support the mobilisation and utilisation of domestic resources for development.
Global environmental governance
Kenya has demonstrated its commitment to global environmental diplomacy, especially during the 7th session of the UN Environment Assembly.
During the session, Kenya called for the translation of the Global Declaration, including the COP30 outcomes.
Beyond environmental diplomacy, Kenya has advanced ocean governance, committing to rule-based multilateralism, ocean sustainability, and the protection of the global commons.
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Social Development
At the World Summit for Social Development, in Doha, Qatar, Kenya reaffirmed that sustainable development and social development are inseparable.
Poverty eradication, decent work, and social inclusion are among the areas the country aims to improve.
Despite the growing global instability, Kenya has reaffirmed the country`s commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity as stated in the Charter of the United Nations.
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