Kenya’s Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, has announced a plan to enforce two-year performance targets for Kenyan diplomats, aimed at promoting the country’s key commodities internationally. The scheme will require ambassadors to actively market Kenyan products in their host countries and secure the best deals for them. Regular reports will need to be submitted, detailing meetings and arrangements made to support Kenyan exports.
Gachagua is focused on ensuring that taxpayers benefit from the money invested in maintaining these diplomatic missions. By driving the promotion of exports such as tea, coffee, and horticultural crops, the plan aims to boost Kenya’s foreign exchange.
He emphasised the importance of this economic diplomacy under the Ruto administration, with 70% of diplomats’ work being dedicated to advancing the country’s commercial interests. Gachagua also encouraged the Kenyan diaspora in Italy to contribute to the country’s economic development and assured them of the government’s commitment to safeguarding their investments back home.
Steve Ogongo of the Kenyan Diaspora in Italy Association (KEDITA) welcomed the initiative and committed to working with the government to address challenges. The Deputy President’s visit also included meetings with World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain, United Arab Emirates Minister for Climate Change and Environment Mariam Almheiri, and FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu. These discussions centred on climate-smart agriculture, food production, and the upcoming COP28 climate conference in the UAE.