Projecting and protecting Kenya's interests in the world
The State Department for Foreign Affairs leads Kenya's diplomacy - managing the country's international relations and standing behind every Kenyan abroad.
Our vision, mission and mandate
A peaceful, prosperous and globally competitive Kenya.
To project, promote and protect Kenya’s interests and image globally through innovative diplomacy, contributing to a just, peaceful and equitable world.
Implementing Kenya’s foreign policy, managing the country’s international relations, and protecting Kenyans and their interests abroad.
Kenya's five foreign-policy pillars
Every programme of the Ministry, and every service in this site, advances one or more of these pillars.
Download Kenya's Foreign Policy (PDF)2.4 MBEconomic Diplomacy
Positioning Kenya as a competitive destination for trade, investment and tourism, and opening markets for Kenyan goods, services and labour through our missions abroad.
Peace Diplomacy
Advancing regional and global peace, security and stability - anchored in Kenya’s leadership within the EAC, IGAD, the African Union and UN peace operations.
Diaspora Diplomacy
Engaging, protecting and harnessing the skills and remittances of Kenyans abroad, and making consular services accessible wherever they live.
Environmental Diplomacy
Championing climate action and sustainable development, building on Nairobi’s role as global host of the UN Environment Programme and UN-Habitat.
Cultural Diplomacy
Projecting Kenya’s heritage, sports, tourism and creative industries to deepen global goodwill and strengthen national identity.
The directorates that deliver
Bilateral and multilateral relations, treaties and regional bodies.
political@mfa.go.keMake an enquiry →Trade, investment and tourism promotion through the mission network.
economic@mfa.go.keMake an enquiry →Accreditation, privileges and ceremonial affairs for the diplomatic corps.
protocol@mfa.go.keMake an enquiry →From independence to today
- 1963
Kenya gains independence; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is established to manage the new nation’s external relations.
- 1964
Kenya joins the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union).
- 1972
Nairobi becomes home to the UN Environment Programme - the first UN headquarters located in the global South.
- 2000
The East African Community is re-established, deepening Kenya’s regional integration and economic diplomacy.
- 2014
Kenya publishes its first formal Foreign Policy, articulating the five diplomacy pillars that guide the Ministry today.
- 2021
Kenya takes a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2021-2022 term.
- 2024
Renewed emphasis on diaspora and economic diplomacy across an expanding global mission network.
- 2026
A service-led digital transformation reorganises the Ministry and its missions around the people they serve (this concept).