Ruto’s foreign policy: Strategic gains, persistent gaps

President William Ruto’s administration has embarked on a dynamic foreign policy journey, aiming to elevate Kenya’s global standing and economic prospects.
With Principal Secretary Korir Singoei and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at the helm, the government has pursued strategic engagements, notably with the Netherlands. However, while certain milestones have been achieved, challenges persist, particularly concerning human rights and domestic governance.
A significant highlight of Kenya’s foreign policy under President Ruto was the state visit by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in March 2025.
This visit underscored the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, leading to the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and a Letter of Intent. These agreements focused on enhancing trade, agriculture, tourism, and water infrastructure, with projects like the Naivasha Special Economic Zone Water Supply and the Sabaki Bulk Water Supply Project receiving KSh 426 million in funding from Dutch investors.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi, leveraging his extensive experience and diplomatic acumen, has been instrumental in fostering these international relations. His efforts have attracted significant investments, such as the establishment of the India Exim Bank’s East Africa Representative Office in Nairobi, bolstering Kenya’s position as a regional financial hub.
The DRC factor and regional diplomacyKenya’s foreign policy has also been shaped by its role in regional stability, particularly concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kenya’s active participation in peacekeeping missions and diplomatic initiatives in the DRC aligns with its commitment to regional security and its aspirations to be a leading peace broker in East Africa. This approach not only enhances Kenya’s diplomatic profile but also contributes to broader regional stability efforts.
The Kenya diaspora Policy: Strengthening global ties
In 2024, Kenya launched its Diaspora Policy, aiming to harness the potential of its global citizenry. The policy focuses on facilitating labor mobility, encouraging remittances and investments, promoting technology transfer, and safeguarding the rights of Kenyans abroad. By recognizing the diaspora as key economic and cultural ambassadors, the government seeks to bolster national development and strengthen international relations.
Despite these advancements, several challenges hinder the full realization of Kenya’s foreign policy objectives. Reports of human rights abuses, including the arrest and detention of government critics and violent crackdowns on demonstrators, have raised concerns both domestically and internationally.
These issues have led to public petitions urging foreign dignitaries to reconsider engagements with the Kenyan government, highlighting the need for reforms in governance and human rights protection.
Additionally, while economic diplomacy has yielded positive outcomes, there is a need for a more inclusive approach that addresses the socio-economic disparities within the country. Ensuring that the benefits of international partnerships reach all segments of the population is crucial for sustainable development and social cohesion.
President Ruto’s foreign policy, underpinned by strategic leadership from Singoei and Mudavadi, has positioned Kenya as an active participant in global affairs. While significant strides have been made in economic diplomacy and regional stability, addressing domestic governance issues and human rights concerns remains imperative. A balanced approach that aligns international engagements with internal reforms will be essential for Kenya to achieve its aspirations on the global stage.