REPUBLIC OF KENYA
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE
CULTURAL DIPLOMACY STRATEGY
2016/17 - 2018/19
FOREWORD
The mandate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade is to articulate Kenya’s Foreign Policy
which sets out a range of interests that we must pursue as a
country including cultural issues as well as projecting and
promoting a positive image for the country. The cultural
diplomacy is one of the five interlinked pillars of Kenya’s
Foreign policy.
Culture is a critical component of international relations and has a great contribution
to a country’s image. The potential of Kenya‟s cultural heritage is enormous and
there is need for Kenya to exploit this potential to promote the country. However,
the potential of Cultural Diplomacy as a vital diplomatic tool to enhance our
international relations to promote a favourable image and prestige for the Country
globally remains largely untapped. It is against this backdrop that this Cultural
Diplomacy Strategy has been developed to provide a platform necessary to ensure
that culture contributes to socio-economic development, as well as position Kenya as
a cultural capital.
I would like to thank all those who contributed to the development of this three year
strategy, Particularly the Principal Secretary for providing the policy guidelines. The
implementation of this document will require working closely with our key
stakeholders including the MDAs and County Governments to ensure successful
implementation of the Strategy. In view of this, we will strengthen our collaboration
with our partners and develop the necessary diplomatic competencies and other
capacities in the Ministry. We will also appoint Cultural ambassadors to strengthen
our Cultural representation abroad in order to engage effectively with the rest of the
world.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is therefore, strongly
committed to ensuring full implementation of this Strategy towards achieving the
strategic objectives set out in the Strategy.
AMB (DR) AMINA C. MOHAMED, CBS, CAV
CABINET SECRETARY
i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As outlined in the Kenya Foreign Policy, Cultural Diplomacy is
one of the five inter-linked pillars of diplomacy on which the
management of the Kenya‟s foreign policy in anchored. This
Strategy therefore, is directly linked to the Kenya Foreign Policy
and borrows from the objectives of the Cultural Diplomacy pillar
enlisted in the policy. The Strategy will serve as the roadmap
which will guide the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in
achievement of the objectives of the Cultural Diplomacy as set out in the Kenya
Foreign Policy.
The preparation of this Strategic document commenced in February, 2016 and was
developed in a consultative and participatory manner in line with the constitutional
requirements of public and stakeholder participation and engagement both directly
and indirectly. I would like to thank all those who contributed to its development and
subsequent finalization in one way or the other. I would like to sincerely commend
the Ministry staff both at the headquarters and in our missions abroad, who under
the leadership of the Political and Diplomatic Secretary dedicated their time towards
finalization of the Strategy. Special thanks go to the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign
Affairs and International Trade, Amb (Dr) Amina C. Mohamed, CBS, CAV for
providing the overall guidance in the development of this Strategy. I further
acknowledge the input of the officers in the Cultural Diplomacy Directorate as well as
the CPPMD for their technical support.
I believe that with dedication and team work, we will be able to effectively
implement this Strategy, and in so doing, ensure that culture contributes positively to
socio-economic development, as well as position Kenya as a cultural capital.
AMB. (DR.) MONICA JUMA, DPHIL, CBS
PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD ....................................................................................................................... i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT....................................................................................................... ii
LIST OF ACRONYMS /ABBREVIATIONS .............................................................................. v
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................... vi
Chapter 1 : INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................. 1
1.1 Background ................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Rationale ....................................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Methodology................................................................................................................................. 2
Chapter 2 : SITUATION ANALYSIS ...................................................................................... 4
2.1 Overview of the Ministry’s Achievement in the area of culture, arts, sports and natural
Heritage in the period 2013 – 2015 .................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats (SWOT) Analysis .......................................... 13
2.3 Stakeholders Analysis.................................................................................................................. 14
Chapter 3 : STRATEGIC DIRECTION ................................................................................. 17
3.1 Ministry’s Mandate, Vision, Mission and Core Values................................................................ 17
3.2 The Strategic Model .................................................................................................................... 18
Chapter 4 COORDINATION FRAMEWORK ........................................................................ 23
4.1 Departments & Missions............................................................................................................. 23
4.2 Cultural Ambassadors ................................................................................................................. 23
4.3 County Governments .................................................................................................................. 24
Chapter 5 IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTING .................. 25
6.1 Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting ....................................................................................... 25
iii
List of Tables
Table 1: Summary of SWOT Analysis. ............................................................................13
Table 2 Stakeholder Analysis .........................................................................................14
iv
LIST OF ACRONYMS /ABBREVIATIONS
AU
African Union
BUMOC
Bujumbura Marathon Organizing Committee
EAC
East African Community
FSI
Foreign Service Institute
H.E
His Excellency
JAMAFEST
Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki Utamaduni Festival
JCC
Joint Commission for Cooperation
KSH
Kenya Shillings
MDA
Ministries, Departments and Agencies
MFA&IT
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
MOU
Memoranda of Understanding
SWOT
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats
UN
United Nations
UNESCO
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
v
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has been pursuing the
implementation of the Kenya‟s Foreign Policy based on the five interlinked pillars of
diplomacy which inform the core priorities and strategies for our bilateral and
multilateral engagement so as to strengthen relationships, enhance social cultural
cooperation and promote our national interests. Among the pillars is the Cultural
Diplomacy which aims to use culture as a vital tool in international relations
especially through the use of cultural heritage and endowments as the pedestals of
our foreign engagement across the globe.
Kenya‟s cultural diplomacy focuses on increasing awareness of her cultural affluence
and generating interests in the country‟s cultural heritage.
Through a situation analysis, the Ministry identified three broad strategic issues of
focus towards driving the Cultural Diplomacy forward. These issues are the need to
ensure our cultural diversity and heritage are respected and recognized globally; the
need to recognize role of Kenyan artists, athletes and other sportsmen and women;
and the need for Kiswahili to be recognized as a continental and global language.
In order to address the three strategic issues identified above, the Ministry
developed five strategic objectives. These objectives are to:
i.
Respect and recognize cultural diversity and heritage;
ii.
Promote cultural exchanges and partnerships;
iii.
Promote global intercultural dialogue;
iv.
Promote sports and art diplomacy by recognizing the role of Kenyan artists,
athletes and other sportsmen and women; and
v.
Promote the recognition of Kiswahili as a continental and global language;
Strategies and activities were formulated for each of these strategic objectives as
discussed in chapter three which gives the Strategic direction. Corresponding key
performance
indicators
were
identified for monitoring
vi
and
evaluating
the
implementation of this Strategy. This is presented in the implementation matrix in
section 6.2.
Monitoring, evaluation and reporting will form a critical component of this Strategic
document. Monitoring and evaluation will provide feedback on progress made in
implementing the Strategy and form a basis of the next steps in implementing the
strategy.
The Ministry will also undertake an end-term review of the implementation of this
strategy with the aim of evaluating the cumulative achievement. The main objective
will be to assess whether the Ministry would have attained all its targets as set out in
the Strategy and identify the shortcomings. This process will inform the consecutive
planning period.
vii
Chapter 1 : INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is mandated to pursue
Kenya‟s foreign policy and international trade affairs in accordance to the
Constitution of Kenya.
The Kenya Foreign Policy is anchored on five interlinked
pillars of diplomacy which include: Economic; Peace; Environmental; Cultural and
Diaspora. Cultural Diplomacy aims to use culture as a vital tool in international
relations especially through the use of cultural heritage and endowments as the
pedestals of our foreign engagement.
The term „cultural diplomacy‟ is not easily defined. When thinking about culture, we
have taken as our starting point the United Nations‟ 1948 Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, in which Article 27(1) states that: „Everyone has the right freely to
participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts, and to share in
scientific advancement and its benefits.‟ This Strategy adopts a broad definition of
the term culture to include, and consider sports and popular culture, as well as the
performing and visual arts and the natural heritage. Therefore our culture is what
makes us who we are.
Kenya has continuously placed emphasis on cultural recognition and understanding
as the basis for dialogue. As envisaged in the Kenya Diaspora Policy section 3.3.6,
the Ministry commits to Promote Kenyan culture and heritage through national and
regional sports, games, and music and drama festivals and encourages Kenyans
abroad to participate. Kenya has effectively used and continues to us language,
notably Kiswahii as a mode to strengthen cultural diplomacy, foster relationships and
build friendships.
1.2 Rationale
Kenya Vision 2030 recognizes that positive promotion and effective exploitation of
our cultural diversity, preservation and promotion of national heritage, sports and
arts are critical to socio-economic, political and cultural development. In instances
1
when Kenyan cultural icons tour the globe, Kenyan athletes perform at the world
stage or Kenyan literature is read, a buzz of economic and political interest is ignited
about Kenya that goes beyond the cultural event or artefacts, and subsequently
generates economic gain. The potential of Kenya‟s cultural heritage is enormous and
there is need for Kenya to exploit this potential to promote the country. Cultural
Diplomacy as a vital diplomatic tool to enhance our international relations to
promote a favourable image and prestige for the Country globally remains largely
untapped. Indeed it is through cultural activities that a nation‟s identity is best
represented
Cultural Diplomacy is uniquely able to reach out to people of all walks of life; from
young people, to non-elites, to broad audiences with a much reduced language
barrier. Cultural diplomacy will enable us to: reach influential members of foreign
societies who cannot be accessed through traditional Embassy functions; provide a
positive agenda for cooperation in spite of policy differences; create a neutral
platform for face to face interaction; serve as a flexible, universally acceptable
vehicle for engagement with countries where diplomatic relations have been strained
or are absent; provide awareness of cultural richness of our nation and generate
interest in Kenya‟s cultural heritage.
The essence of preparing this Cultural Diplomacy Strategy is to implement Cultural
Diplomacy as one of the pillars of our foreign policy and is intended to ensure that
culture contributes to socio-economic development, and to position Kenya as a
cultural capital.
1.3 Methodology
This strategy was developed through round-table consultations and public
participation processes involving key stakeholders including Government Ministries,
Departments and Agencies. The process began with understanding the Kenya
Foreign Policy objectives as a basis for developing the strategy. The key instruments
used in the development of this Strategy are the Ministry‟s 2013/14-2017/18
Strategic Plan and the Kenya Foreign Policy. The draft strategy was shared with the
2
Ministry staff and their contributions were instrumental in refining the strategies
contained in this document.
Reference was also made to key policy documents including the Constitution of
Kenya, the Kenya Diaspora Policy, the Kenya Vision 2030, the Second Medium Term
Plan and the Jubilee Manifesto. The Strategy was subjected to public participation
from the Key stakeholders in conformity with the constitutional requirements before
publication.
3
Chapter 2 : SITUATION ANALYSIS
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is mandated with the
responsibility of representing Kenya to the rest of the world. Kenya has 56 Missions
located across the globe. The Ministry also serves as the central link between other
line Ministries, Government departments and agencies with the rest of the world.
Being the main link between the Government and the rest of the world, the Ministry
promotes Kenya, its cultural diversity and its rich heritage in the international arena.
Kenya plays a pivotal role in regional and global matters.
2.1 Overview of the Ministry’s Achievement in the area of culture, arts,
sports and natural Heritage in the period 2013 – 2015
The execution of the Ministry‟s mandate based on the Cultural Diplomacy pillar in the
period 2013-2015 resulted in a number of milestone achievements. These
achievements have been achieved through the Missions. Some of the key milestones
are discussed below.
Through the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Kenya to UNESCO, the
Ministry has achieved a lot towards enhancing Cultural Diplomacy:
The 1972 Convention - World Heritage Convention
Kenya has 6 listed sites on the world heritage list. These are Lake Turkana National
Park, Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest, Lamu Old Town, Fort Jesus, the
Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests and the Kenya Lake Systems in the Great Rift Valley.
The World Heritage Committee consists of 21 members of States Parties to the
convention elected by the General Conference for a four year term. The Committee
meets every year to examine state of conservation of sites inscribed on the World
Heritage List; examine policy issues in relation to the implementation of the
convention, inscribe new sites on the World Heritage List and determine the Budget
of the World Heritage Centre. The 38th session of the World Heritage Committee
was held in Doha, Qatar from 15 to 25 June, 2014. The 39 th session of the
Committee was held in Bonn, from 28 June to 8 July 2015 in Bonn, Federal Republic
of Germany. Turkey will host the 40th Committee session in 2016.
4
On 31 January 2014, UNESCO joined forces with the African Union Commission to
raise awareness and funds for the African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) during the
African Union (AU) Heads of State luncheon at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia. Participants pledged a total of 3,050,000 USD in support of the AWHF
Endowment Fund.
Kenya made a contribution to the African World heritage Fund (AWHF) of 1.5 million
dollars to support preservation and conservation of African World heritage Sites.
The 2003 Convention –The safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Kenya was a member of the Intergovernmental committee until 2012. Kenya hosted
and chaired the 5th Session of the Intergovernmental committee in November 2010.
From 2008 to 2011 Kenya was a member of subsidiary Body of the committee. The
committee has three coveted lists where cultural expressions/ practices are listed.
This is the Representative List, Urgent Safeguarding list and Representative List of
Best Practices.
Kenya has practices inscribed on the urgent safeguarding list. The traditions and
practices associated with Kayas in the Sacred Mijikenda Forest, the Food ways and
food practices of the Isukha in western province are inscribed on the urgent
safeguarding list. Isukuti dance was inscribed into the Urgent Safeguarding List in
November 2014 during the meeting of the Ninth Inter-Governmental Committee on
Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) held at UNESCO, Paris.
On the best practices list, the Kit Mikayi Shrine of Luo community and soapstone
carving among the Abagusii have received financial support for elaboration and
nomination.
5
Isukuti dancers entertain guests during the Kenya Week in November 2014
The 2005 Convention – Promotion and Protection of Diversity of Cultural
Expressions
The 2005 convention for the Protection and Promotion of Diversity of Cultural
Expressions seeks to strengthen the creation, production, dissemination, access and
enjoyment of cultural expressions as conveyed by cultural activities, goods and
services.
Kenya ratified the convention in 2007 and served on the Intergovernmental until
June 2013.
Hosting of high level culture meetings in Kenya
The Second Africa Regional meeting on the protection of the Underwater Cultural
Heritage was held in Malindi, Kenya from 24 to 26 March, 2015.
The 2nd African Regional Meeting on Underwater Cultural Heritage was held in
Malindi from 24th to 26th March, 2015. The meeting was a follow-up of the First
Africa Regional Meeting on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage the
Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation of Nigeria in
collaboration UNESCO Culture sector in November 2013. Africa‟s underwater cultural
heritage is an important cultural, educational and scientific tool, and has
considerable potential for the development of sustainable tourism in Africa.
6
The Regional meeting was officially opened by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of
Sports, Culture and the Arts, Dr. Hassan Arero Wario. Also present was the African
Vice-Chair of the Scientific Committee Mr. Agustus Ajibola, the Director of National
Museums of Kenya Dr. Mzalendo Kibunjia and Dr. Ulrike Guerin, Head of Section at
UNESCO‟s Underwater Cultural Heritage Convention.
Dr. Hassan Wario, Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Arts, officially opens the conference at MalindiKenya
Dr. Ulrike Guerin, Head of Section, UNESCO’s Underwater Cultural Heritage Convention addresses the
conference
Through the Kenya Embassy in Bujumbura together with other stakeholders namely:
Burundi National Tourism Office, Burundi National Olympic Committee, the Sport‟s
Gym, Wright Tours and Travel Agency and the Green Belt Action for the
Environment (ACVE) teamed up to form the Bujumbura Marathon Organizing
Committee (BUMOC) to realize the Bujumbura Marathon. The first edition of the
7
Bujumbura Marathon for Fraternity held on 31st August, 2014 was a half marathon of
21km, with additional circuits of 10km and 3km under the theme „I Run for
Fraternity: I Love Bujumbura.‟ The Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture of the
Republic of Burundi, Hon. Adolphe Rukenkanya officially flagged off the three circuits
at the Jardin Public, City of Bujumbura. The objective of the marathon was mainly to
celebrate the fraternity between Kenya and Burundi especially in Kenya‟s jubilee
year; identify and nurture marathon talent in Burundi from the grassroots levels; and
to generate proceeds to assist sections of the population affected by floods and
mudslides in the northern part of Bujumbura which occurred on 9th February 2014.
The First Edition of the Bujumbura Half Marathon for Fraternity on 31st August, 2014
CS, Amb. Amina Mohamed and her Egyptian counterpart,
Sameh Shoukry signing the Agreements during the JCC
The Embassy in Cairo, Egypt planned
and organized the 6th Session of the
Kenya/Egypt Joint Commission for
Cooperation (JCC) in January 2015 in
Nairobi, Kenya. During the session,
two
agreements
and
three
Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)
were signed for execution among then
being the Executive Program Project on Cultural Cooperation between the Republic
of Kenya and the Arab Republic of Egypt.
8
During the Chinese Premier, H.E Li Keqiang visit to Kenya from 9th to 11th May,
2014, a record of 17 Technical and Economic Cooperation Agreements and MOUs
between the two countries were signed. Among the memoranda was the
Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts
of the Republic of Kenya and the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of
China on the Establishment of a Cultural Centre.
During the Africa Day celebrations in May, 2014, in Dublin, Ireland, all African
Embassies in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
organized a successful Africa Day on 25th May, 2014. The Event was attended by
over 300,000 participants. As a way of marketing Kenya the Embassy participated in
the event by showcasing Kenyan products and food. During the event, the Kenyan
Embassy won the “Best Dressed Woman Competition”. The Embassy participated in
the same celebrations held on 20th May 2015.
Member of Ministry staff Ms. Cecilia Muriithi at the Kenyan stand
Galway - Kenya Run - September 2013: The Kenyan Community in County
Galway in collaboration with the Kenya Ministry and the local Irish authority
organized the “Galway Kenya Run” on 14th September 2013. The event was graced
by Kenyan 800m World Olympic Legend David Lekuta Rudisha and his Irish Coach,
Brother Colm. The event was preceded by visits to schools where Rudisha gave talks
to Irish children in over 10 schools in County Galway. The event was intended to
9
showcase Kenya‟s talent in athletics and to inspire Irish youth to embrace athletics,
and also to mark and celebrate the Kenya @50 Jubilee celebrations. The event was
a great success, marked by interviews from the local FM radio station and at the
Galway University.
The Kenya Mission in Kigali, Rwanda facilitated the participation of Kenyan team in
the EAC Cultural and arts troupes gathered in Rwanda in February 2013 and
performed in the first JAMAFEST. JAMAFEST is the name of the East Africa
Community Arts and Culture Festival and is coined from Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki
Utamaduni Festival. The event was held in Rwanda from 9-16 February 2013, under
the theme “Fostering the East African Community integration through Cultural
Industries”. The event consisted of a carnival, art exhibitions and sales, workshops
and symposiums, live performances, fashion shows, plus a JAMAFEST Village of
Countries at which the EAC Partner States showcased their different cultures.
Above:Left:Kenyans perform “esukuti” at the jamafest. Right: Kenyans display their flag at the jamafest.
The embassy of Kenya in Khartoum, Sudan partnered and facilitated a famous
language training centre in Sudan to offer Swahili language programmes. The
classes are ongoing and are seemingly becoming very popular with staff of the
numerous international relief organizations resident in Khartoum.
The
Kenya
Mission
in
Harare, Zimbabwe facilitated
an average of five sports
teams
10
every
year
from
Kenya to Zimbabwe in golf, football, motor sports and rugby.
The Kenya Mission in Bangkok, Thailand co-hosted the Cradle of Mankind exhibition
featuring photographs depicting the lives of the people who live around Lake
Turkana, and the important archaeological site of Koobi Fora in September 2015.
H.E. Patrick Wamoto, H.E. PrasittipornWetprasit and Mrs. KannikarWongthongsiri cut the ribbon to open the
Exhibition, “Cradle of Mankind”.The „Cradle of Mankind‟ exhibition featured photographs depicting the lives of the
people that live around Lake Turkana, and the important archaeologic site of Koobi Fora.
Also the Mission in Bangkok, Thailand used National Day Celebrations to Promote
Kenyan Culture. Of significance is the Kenya at 50 celebrations during which the
Embassy invited performances on Kenyan Dance and Music from Kenyans living in
Thailand as well as Thai school children. The experience introduced Kenya and the
region to the young students.
Song and Dance are an important part of Kenyan Culture
11
Thai School Children do a rendition of the Kenya National Anthem during the Kenya @50 celebrations
12
2.2 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats (SWOT) Analysis
During the preparation of this Strategy, a SWOT analysis for the Ministry was
undertaken to identify the major strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
to the Ministry‟s success. This is summarized in table 1.
Table 1: Summary of SWOT Analysis.
STRENGTHS
•
Limited awareness on diverse culture
representation in the various regions of the
•
Inadequate human and financial resources
world
•
Poor visibility of the Ministry nationally
•
Competent human resource
•
Failure to effectively apply/ use public
•
Foreign Service Institute
•
Rich diplomatic experience in international
•
Lack of clear policy framework
negotiations
•
Poor records management
The UN offices in Gigiri, Nairobi bringing
•
Foreign Language barrier
together UN agencies
•
Weak linkages and coordination with other
•
•
Strong
diplomatic
presence
WEAKNESSES
and
diplomacy
•
Existence of Kenya Foreign Policy
•
Existence of Kenya Diaspora Policy
•
Global web Portal
MDAs and County Governments
•
Poor engagement between the diaspora
and the missions
OPPORTUNITIES



THREATS
Unique cultures and heritage (game parks,

Public Misconceptions
artefacts, sports, world heritage sites)

Inadequate resources

Weak legal framework
expanded mandate
•
Cyber crime
Constitution of Kenya which clearly defines

International
New
structure
of
government
and
and
transnational
Crime
the national function of the Ministry
(terrorism,
•
Political goodwill
human trafficking, copyright infringement)
•
Evolving strategic geo-political situation
•
Regional instability
•
Large number of skilled Kenyans living
•
Porous borders
abroad

Limited stakeholder knowledge on Kenya‟s

•
Evolving status of Nairobi as a hub of
money
laundering,
foreign policy
multilateral diplomacy
•
Effects of global financial crisis
Technological advancement and use of the
•
Climate change and Global warming
new media
•
piracy,
Enhanced regional cooperation within the
13
AU and EAC
•
Transporting Kenyan cultural social and
cultural elements to Diaspora e.g Nyama
Choma Day
2.3 Stakeholders Analysis
The analysis of the Ministry‟s stakeholders captures both internal and external
groups including international bodies, the public, the private sector as well as Civil
Society Organizations.
Table 2 Stakeholder Analysis
Category
Stakeholder
Stakeholders’ expectation
Ministry’s expectation
Internal
MFA&IT Staff
 Adequate facilitation
• Commitment to work
and Kenya‟s
 Conducive working
• Patriotism
Diplomatic
Missions
environment
• Loyalty
•Effective communication
• Good Performance
•Good governance
• Efficiency
•Appreciation of their effort
• Feedback
•Relevant skills development
• Cultural ambassadors
•Career advancement
External
MDAs
 Timely facilitation
 Timely requests
 Effective protocol services
 Clear information
 Effective coordination of
 Active participation.
sectoral activities
• Sharing of information
• Quality and timely services
 Identification of issues for
engagement.
 Cooperation and
consultations.
External
Diaspora
 Timely and efficient
delivery of services
 Collaboration and support
 Timely submission of
 Timely and efficient
requests
consular services
 Patriotism
 Involvement
 Positive image
 Timely response
 Participation
 Accessibility
14
Category
Stakeholder
Stakeholders’ expectation
External
Diplomatic
 Timely response to
Community
Ministry’s expectation
•
correspondences
correspondences (letters,
email and faxes)
•
relations and partnerships
enhancement of
•
partnerships.
Respect for Kenya‟s
sovereignty , diversity and
culture
 Effective and efficient
protocol services
Support in facilitating
enhancement of diplomatic
 Support in facilitating
diplomatic relations and
Timely response to
•
Observance of necessary
treaties and protocols
External
External
Development
•
Genuine partnership
•
Genuine partnership
Partners
•
Observance of rule of law
•
Observance of rule of law
•
Effective communication
•
Effective communication
•
Mutual benefit
•
Mutual benefit
Media
 Receive timely information
 Access to
facts/information
 Clear release of
information
 Factual and objective
reporting on Ministerial
affairs
External
National
Assembly
 Technical and professional • Approval of adequate
input in matters of
legislation
 Efficient and accountable
utilization of allocated
funding
• Enactment of relevant
legislation
 Harmonization of national
laws with regional and
funds
 Coordinated linkages with
international legislative
international laws
 Genuine support
bodies
 Timely requests
External
County
Assembly
 Active involvement and
consultations
 Timely support
• Observance of rules and
regulations
• Observance of protocol
• Active collaboration
• Identification of various
cultures/sports/artefacts
15
Category
Stakeholder
Stakeholders’ expectation
External
Private Sector
•
•
Relevant Information,

Economic support
guidelines, policies, laws
•
Attract investors
Facilitation in the
organization and
participation of
international fairs and
exhibitions
•
Ministry’s expectation
Facilitate the
development of
necessary infrastructure
16
 Mutual collaboration
Chapter 3 : STRATEGIC DIRECTION
3.1 Ministry’s Mandate, Vision, Mission and Core Values
3.1.1 Ministry’s Mandate
The Ministry‟s mandate is derived from the Executive Order No. 2 of May 2013 which
assigns the Ministry of Foreign Affairs additional mandate of International Trade
Affairs and Trade Representative-Special Advisory/Negotiation Services.
The functions of the Ministry as envisaged in the Executive Order are: Management
of Kenya‟s Foreign Policy; Management of Bilateral and Multilateral Relations; Liaison
with International and Regional Organizations; Management of Kenya‟s Missions and
Embassies Abroad; Liaison with foreign Missions in Kenya; Ratification of Treaties,
Conventions and Agreements; Management of Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities;
Coordination of State and Official Visits; Handling of Protocol Matters; Provision of
Consular Services; Management of Joint Commissions and joint trade committees
with other Countries; Official Communications on Foreign Affairs and Global Images;
International Trade Affairs; Trade Representative – Special Advisory/negotiation
services; and Management of Kenya‟s Diaspora issues.
The Jubilee Government Manifesto envisages a strong Kenya for a more stable
Africa, and a responsible member of the international community playing its role in
promoting regional stability and upholding the rule of law. The Manifesto further
underlines the importance of Trade and progressive foreign policy as critical in
fostering innovation, opening up external markets, free trade, job creation and
promotion of sustainable development for economic growth. Similarly the Kenya
Vision 2030, the country‟s development blueprint contains the opportunities to be
harnessed and challenges to be overcome for Kenya to become a high income
country with high standards of living by the year 2030.
3.1.2 Vision Statement
A peaceful, prosperous and globally competitive Kenya.
17
3.1.3 Mission Statement
To project, promote and protect Kenya‟s interests and image globally through
innovative diplomacy, and contribute towards a just, peaceful and equitable world.
3.1.4 Core Values
The Ministry will be guided by the following core values:
Customer focus: We shall treat our customers with courtesy, respect and
promptness.
• Patriotism: Our staff shall exercise loyalty and uphold allegiance to the Republic
of Kenya at all times.
• Team spirit: We shall promote teamwork to enhance service delivery. The
Ministry will further inculcate a sense of shared and collective responsibility for the
execution of its mandate.
• Professionalism: Our members of staff shall exercise high level of professional
competence and confidentiality in all their work.
• Ethics and Integrity: We will embrace transparency and accountability in all
operations of the Ministry.
• Equity and fairness: We shall promote justice, impartiality and diversity in all our dealings.
3.2 The Strategic Model
3.2.1Ministry Strategic Objectives and Strategies
The Ministry has formulated five strategic objectives to aid in the realization of the
Cultural Diplomacy Agenda. These are to:
1. Respect and recognize cultural diversity and heritage;
2. Promote cultural exchanges and partnerships;
3. Promote global intercultural dialogue;
4. Promote sports and art diplomacy by recognizing the role of Kenyan artists,
athletes and other sportsmen and women; and
5. Promote the recognition of Kiswahili as a continental and global language;
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3.2.2 Description of the Strategic Issues, Strategies and Strategic
objectives
Strategic Objective 1:To respect and recognize cultural diversity and heritage
This objective seeks to boost understanding and respect of Kenya‟s cultural diversity and heritage.
This objective will employ three strategies indicated below:Strategy
Strategic Thrust
1.
Enhance understanding of the
This strategy will entail the following:
people of Kenya and their culture

The Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts coming up
with a documented inventory of Kenya‟s cultural
heritage. This will make it easier for the Ministry to
identify artefacts which may be replicated for the
Missions for display.

Creation of awareness on the available mechanism of
protection of culture and cultural heritage both at the
Ministry Headquarters and in the Kenya Missions.
2.

Use of Media to create understanding of our culture.

Appointing Cultural Ambassadors in all sectors

Building capacity on cultural management practices
Promote use of culture, arts and
This strategy will focus on branding the missions by
sports as a tool for celebrating
providing/displaying Kenyan artefacts, films, paintings,
national
songs
diversity
and
boost
diaspora cohesion
and
have
the
same
identity
(mural/colour
scheme/same feel). Use of artefacts and other cultural
materials will be linked to all events which will positively
profile Kenya including the national days.
3.
Strengthen the Kenyan cultural
This will entail holding/participating in forums of cultural
identity and creativity
expressions and to aggressively market cultural products. It
will also involve rewards for creativity and innovations in
the area of cultural development through the Ministry of
Sports, Culture and the Arts.
Strategic Objective 2: To Promote cultural exchanges and partnerships
This strategic objective aims to ensure promotion of Kenyan cultural exchanges and
partnerships both domestic and international.
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This objective will employ three strategies indicated below:Strategy
Strategic Thrust
1
This strategy aims at highlighting the importance of
Strengthen bilateral and
multilateral relations through
cultural diplomacy by attending and participating at
Cultural Diplomacy
international Cultural Heritage meetings to:

Spearhead ratification of conventions that have
implications on cultural matters

Coordinate with National Museums, Ministry of
Sports, Culture and the Arts and Counties in
matters
of
International
Cooperation
in
implementation of 2005 Convention on Protection
of Diversity of Cultural Practices

Coordinate Kenya‟s participation at international
cultural fairs/festivals and meetings.

Collaborate with all stakeholders so as to have a
common position
2
Promote domestic and
This strategy will involve special events and domestic
international cultural exchanges
and international exchange visits. These special events
include The Tegla Lorupe Peace Race, Maulid Cultural
Festival, The Safari Rally, Lamu Cultural Festival, The
International Camel Derby Festival and other Cultural
events in Kenya
3.
Promote Kenyan cultural
This strategy will entail attending and giving cultural
products
gifts like jewelries, textiles and carvings at international
conferences and events.
Strategic Objective 3: To Promote global intercultural dialogue
This strategic Objective aims at promoting cultural dialogue between Kenya and other countries
at global level through the following strategy:
Strategy
Strategic Thrust
1
This strategy entails:
Enhance cultural contact with
other nations

Supporting Missions in their efforts to bring the
best sportsmen and women, artists, writers, and
other cultural icons to their audiences

Making use of events that the missions have
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already organized and building on them by
involving international participants: These events
are, but not limited to the following:

Tea/Coffee days

Kenyan food fairs/Drinks

Kenyan dance troupes such as ZumaZuma
(participants at „America‟s Got Talent‟ show) or
Bomas of Kenya

photo exhibitions

Mini
marathons/Field
events
(photo
op/workshops)

Book exhibitions

Rugby/Volleyball
matches
(photo
op/accompanied by workshops)

Art exhibitions/Competitions

Tree planting exercises/Flower exhibitions

Kenya movie/film day would be interesting
additions once the industry is developed

Kenyan Cultural weeks

Nyama Choma Days
Strategic Objective 4: To Promote sports and art diplomacy by recognizing the
role of Kenyan artists, athletes and other sportsmen and women
This strategic objective aims to promote Kenya‟s sports and Arts in the international world.
It employs two strategies:
Strategy
Strategic thrust
1
Enhance participation of Kenyan
This strategy seeks to enhance participation of Kenyan
artists, athletes and other
artists, athletes and other sportsmen and women by
sportsmen and women
supporting Kenyan national teams in mini marathons in
regionally and internationally
countries which do not excel in these areas.
It will also involve hosting a workshop and negotiating
with countries which host major marathons to have a
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Kenyan booth (serving Kenyan coffee and tea, and give
gifts at such events).
Finally, the missions could also host an after-cultural-event
with the athletes abroad as a way of uplifting their morale
to continue participating in those events.
2.
Strengthen partnerships in
This strategy seeks to hold periodic meetings with
Culture, Sports and Arts
stakeholders to create synergy and consensus in culture,
sports and arts.
Partner with other State organs charged with matters
pertaining to culture e.g
UNESCO
Strategic Objective 5: To Promote the recognition of Kiswahili as a continental
and global language
This strategic objective aims at promoting the use of Swahili globally as an important tool of
Kenya‟s diplomacy.
This objective will employ two strategies as indicated below:Strategy
Strategic Thrust
1.
Enhance cooperation on learning
This strategy aims at investigating possibilities
institutions
of establishing Kiswahili Institutions abroad and
linking
Kenyan
Kiswahili
language
learning
institutions to reputable institutions abroad.
2.
Enhance training programmes at FSI
This
strategy
seeks
to
establish
Kiswahili
learning programmes at the FSI with possible
extension to the Missions
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Chapter 4 COORDINATION FRAMEWORK
The successful implementation of this Cultural Diplomacy Strategy will require full
involvement, effort, commitment and leadership from the Staff of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and International Trade including the Missions and all the
stakeholders. Adequate availability of resources is critical to realization of the
strategic objectives set out in this Strategic document and hence, the Ministry will
ensure that resources are mobilized and utilized with efficiency and effectiveness.
4.1 Departments & Missions
The implementation of this Strategy will be coordinated across all the Ministerial
Departments in the four Directorates namely: Political and Diplomatic Affairs,
Protocol, Economic and International Trade, Administration and the Office of the
Political & Diplomatic Secretary which is the central coordinating Department
through provision of foreign policy guidance and technical advice. The Kenya
Missions will play a critical role in ensuring that this Strategy is successfully
implemented. The overall management will be coordinated from the offices of the
Cabinet Secretary and that of the Principal Secretary.
4.2 Cultural Ambassadors
The Ministry will appoint Cultural Ambassadors at Presidential level who will to interalia execute the following mandate:
i.
To build on the comparative advantage of the existing “Kenyan brand” in
enhancing Kenya‟s competitive edge for purposes of promoting national
cohesion, national development and posterity.
ii.
To propel Kenya‟s national image by increasing her Appeal and Visibility so
that the country is better known, and more people in the world are aware of
Kenya‟s positive aspects.
iii.
To project strongly with clear and consistent messages about the values and
aspirations of the Kenyan people: unity and prestige; peace and stability;
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freedom and liberty; justice and equity; pursuit of wellbeing and prosperity;
Harambee spirit (pulling together); and celebration of diversity.
iv.
To promote the core principles those guide the conduct of Kenya‟s
international relations: peaceful co-existence with neighbours; resolution of
conflicts by peaceful means; equality and sovereignty of all States; nonalignment in international affairs; rule-based international system; and justice
and equity in the conduct of international relations.
v.
To develop projects that will catapult the five interlinked pillars of Kenya‟s
diplomacy
4.3 County Governments
The Ministry will work closely with the Counties through the established Liaison,
Parliamentary and County Services Department which provides the link between the
Ministry and County Governments and Parliament. This Ministry will therefore
develop a framework of engagement to promote partnership and collaboration with
County Governments.
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Chapter 5 IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING,
EVALUATION AND REPORTING
6.1 Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
An
effective
Monitoring
and
Evaluation
system
is
critical
for
successful
implementation of this Cultural Diplomacy Strategy. Putting this into consideration,
and to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the Strategy, the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and International Trade will develop a monitoring and evaluation
framework with clear key performance indicators to be monitored. The information
generated will be used to check whether or not the strategic objectives and targets
are on course and if there is need for adjustment to correct any inconsistencies.
The Monitoring process will entail identification of key output/outcome indicators for
the strategic objectives and ongoing collection and analysis of data on these
indicators both at headquarters and Kenya Missions.
At the end of the three years, this document will be subjected to an end term review
through a participatory process with the aim of assessing whether the Ministry would
have attained all its targets as set out in the Strategy and identify the shortcomings.
The findings will inform the next Strategy development.
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