Haiti, Sudan & Climate Leadership: Inside Kenya’s High-Stakes Diplomacy

By Njeri Thorne

This week, I had the privilege of hosting an enlightening X-Space conversation alongside CT Muga and Dr. Korir Sing’oei, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, as part of my ongoing series unpacking President William Ruto’s midterm scorecard.

The session provided deep insight into Kenya’s evolving foreign policy posture, one that is more assertive, more diversified, and more deliberate about securing Kenya’s interests on the global stage.

What emerged clearly from our conversation is that Kenya is no longer content to sit at the margins of global diplomacy.

Instead, we are stepping up to influence the agenda, forge new alliances, and reframe our position not as perpetual aid recipients or victims of geopolitical currents, but as proactive architects of our own destiny.

Shifting Alliances: Beyond the Global North

Dr. Sing’oei made a compelling case for Kenya’s recalibration of its diplomatic relationships. While traditional partners in the Global North remain important, Kenya is increasingly looking East and South to the Middle East, Asia, and the rest of Africa for partnerships that are pragmatic and aligned with mutual benefit. The logic is sound: the economic and political centre of gravity is shifting, and Kenya must adapt to this new reality.

He pointed to intensified diplomatic and trade engagements with Gulf countries as a reflection of where the capital, opportunity, and potential for meaningful cooperation currently lie. This shift does not mean abandoning old allies but rather complementing them with emerging ones, diversifying our diplomatic portfolio in pursuit of Kenya’s long-term economic and security interests.

Haiti: Clarifying Misconceptions

We also discussed the widely debated deployment of Kenyan police to Haiti. Dr. Sing’oei was clear and categorical: the operation is not being funded by the Kenyan taxpayer. Instead, it is financed through a dedicated UN-administered support mechanism that refunds all participating states. Far from being a reckless foray, the deployment represents a bold contribution to global peacekeeping, anchored in Kenya’s long-standing role as a regional and international stabilizer.

Sudan and the RSF Visit: Diplomacy Over Optics

A particularly sensitive issue we tackled was Kenya’s decision to host General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). While critics questioned the moral optics of this meeting, Dr. Sing’oei framed it differently: as an effort to facilitate peace and preempt regional instability. Kenya, he noted, cannot afford to be a bystander in conflicts that have direct spillover effects, whether in the form of refugees, arms flows, or regional insecurity. Hosting Hemedti was not an endorsement, but rather a courageous move to provide a neutral platform for conflict resolution.

AU Chairmanship Bid: The Value of Aspiration

Kenya’s diplomatic campaign to have former Prime Minister Raila Odinga elected as Chairperson of the African Union Commission was another headline-making initiative. While the bid was ultimately unsuccessful, Dr. Sing’oei argued that it was far from a failure. The campaign demonstrated Kenya’s ambition to lead on continental matters, reaffirmed our Pan-African credentials, and gave our diplomats valuable insights into how the rest of Africa perceives us. Sometimes, he noted, the journey is as important as the outcome. What we learned from that campaign will inform how we position ourselves in future continental and multilateral leadership bids.

Climate Diplomacy: From Victim to Visionary

One of the most impressive aspects of Kenya’s current foreign policy is our leadership on climate change. Kenya has chosen not to posture as a passive victim of climate injustice, but to take an active, solution-oriented role. From spearheading the Africa Climate Summit to positioning itself as a hub for clean energy, the country is now viewed as a continental leader in climate diplomacy. Dr. Sing’oei emphasized that by tapping into our abundant natural resources and harnessing clean energy sources such as geothermal, solar, and wind, Kenya stands to gain both economically and diplomatically. This strategic posture offers us a path to sustainable development, green investment, and global influence.

China and the Infrastructure Imperative

We also examined President Ruto’s recent state visit to China, our largest infrastructure development partner. Dr. Sing’oei reminded us that this was not just another diplomatic photo-op. It was a strategically important visit that reinforced Kenya’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative, while unlocking discussions on debt restructuring, digital infrastructure, and energy cooperation. State visits of this nature are about securing the future, not just managing the present.

The Power of Global Perception: Every Kenyan as an Ambassador

Perhaps the most profound takeaway from the session was the reminder that foreign policy is not only about what government does, it is also about what citizens project. Dr. Sing’oei issued a powerful call to action: every Kenyan is an ambassador. Our online conversations, our tweets, our comments, our media narratives, they all shape how the world sees Kenya. And in a world where perception often drives investment, tourism, and influence, what we project matters deeply.

In this digital age, we all carry the flag, whether we know it or not. A tweet criticizing your government may seem harmless, but when amplified internationally without context, it can tarnish a nation’s image. Likewise, showcasing our innovations, landscapes, resilience, and achievements strengthens our collective global standing.

As we continue to examine Ruto’s midterm scorecard, it is clear that foreign affairs is not merely about presidential travel or diplomatic receptions. It is about strategy, vision, and most importantly, ownership. Kenya is stepping out with confidence, and every citizen has a role in amplifying the image of a nation on the rise.

Let us carry that image with pride, with nuance, and with purpose.