Foreign CS Statement on Kenya's Political and Economic Diplomacy
Prime and Foreign Cabinet Secretary Dr. Musalia Mudavadi Statement On Kenya's Political and Economic Diplomacy. An example of the economic and political ties between Kenya and Tanzania.
Fellow Kenyans,
I address you today as a fellow citizen entrusted with the solemn duty of safeguarding Kenya's interests both at home and abroad. I am fully aware of the concerns and frustrations expressed by many of you regarding the recent situation involving Kenyans who were detained in Tanzania.
Let me begin by reassuring you that the Government upholds and defends the rights of all Kenyans, wherever they are in this world. We use our diplomatic channels, often times behind the scenes, to engage with our friendly countries to resolve difficult issues. In the current situation, I used the established diplomatic channels to personally engage with my counterpart in Tanzania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as you are aware, the matter has been resolved amicably.
Kenya and Tanzania share a long-standing relationship built on mutual respect, cooperation and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. While online activism can raise awareness on issues, it cannot replace the structured dialogue that preserves our bilateral ties and respect for each other's sovereignty.
The path to resolution lay not in confrontation, but in cooperation. Our engagement with Tanzania was guided by mutual respect, discretion and the shared understanding that there is a deep bond between our peoples. Diplomacy works. It may seem slow, but it yields sustainable results and maintains the relationships vital to our nation's well-being.
No nation prospers in isolation. Kenya's development is anchored in strong economic ties and strategic partnerships with our neighbours. The recently published 2025 Economic Survey affirms this reality, demonstrating how much we depend on each other.
Top Ten Destinations for Kenya's Exports (2024)
- Uganda - KSh. 126 billion
- United Arab Emirates - KSh. 101 billion
- United States - KSh. 89 billion
- Pakistan - KSh. 76 billion
- Netherlands - KSh. 72 billion
- Tanzania - KSh. 67 billion
- United Kingdom - KSh. 61 billion
- Rwanda - KSh. 42 billion
- Democratic Republic of Congo - KSh. 31 billion
- South Sudan - KSh. 29 billion
Source: Economic Survey 2025 (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics)
Other than social ties, our neighbours are our most important trading partners. Uganda is our top export market accounting for 43% of our exports to the EAC market, while Tanzania ranks sixth and accounts for 23% of our exports. The majority of goods exported in the EAC market are manufactured products by our factories in Kenya. Indeed, in 2024 the manufacturing sector employed 369,200 Kenyans accounting for a large share of the formal sector employment. The income earned from exports generates jobs and fuels our economy.
Tanzania is also Kenya's 9th largest source of imports, the only EAC country in the top 10. It ranks second in Africa, after South Africa.
Top Ten Originating Countries for Kenya's Imports (2024)
- China - KSh. 576 billion
- United Arab Emirates - KSh. 337 billion
- India - KSh. 263 billion
- United States of America - KSh. 155 billion
- Malaysia - KSh. 135 billion
- Japan - KSh. 109 billion
- Oman - KSh. 71 billion
- South Africa - KSh. 64 billion
- Tanzania - KSh. 58 billion
- Saudi Arabia - KSh. 52 billion
Source: Economic Survey 2025 (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics)
Beyond trade, approximately 250,000 Kenyans live, work or do business in Tanzania. These individuals and their families depend on the income earned in our neighboring country for sustenance and education back home in Kenya.
It has always been our duty as Government to ensure that our actions do not jeopardize these livelihoods and the markets that our micro, small and medium enterprises, farmers and manufacturers have worked so hard to establish, and which contribute to the socioeconomic stability of our nation.
Kenya cherishes the freedom of expression enshrined in its Constitution, which is a pillar of our democracy but at times, this freedom has been stretched to its limits. While we address this challenge from within our borders, we should not assume that how we engage in Kenya can be replicated outside our borders. Respect for our neighbours' norms and laws is imperative, recognizing our ability to engage respectfully on the regional and global stage as a strength, not a weakness.
Our constitution guarantees the rights of the individual, but those rights must not overshadow the interests of the millions of other citizens. We have an obligation to tread carefully and deliberately when dealing with neighbours, ensuring that the needs of one do not disrupt the prosperity of others and the socio-economic relations built over decades.
My parting shot is to urge all Kenyans to see the bigger picture, to embrace the quiet power of diplomacy, to uphold the dignity of our flag and to remember that we are part of a region, not apart from it. We cannot live in our neighbourhood alone, nor should we desire to. Kenya's prosperity, peace and future depend on our ability to build bridges and nurture them in the national interest.
H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, E.G.H.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and
Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs
Nairobi, May 22, 2025