Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has revealed that Kenya's participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was centered on connecting the country's foreign policy with its economic priorities. Speaking in New York, Mudavadi stated that Kenya's engagement at the UNGA was guided by efforts to advance national interests while strengthening its contribution to global peace and security, sustainable development, and climate action. He emphasized that Kenya's participation was anchored on diplomacy that links foreign policy with economic priorities, including investment, industrialization, technology, and employment.
Mudavadi highlighted that President William Ruto's participation in the UNGA placed Kenya in key discussions on reforming multilateral institutions, strengthening international law, and giving Africa a fairer voice in global affairs. He stated that Kenya championed reform of the UN Security Council, equitable African representation, and stronger African agency in global decision-making. This move reflects concerns raised across Africa over the continent's limited role in global institutions that influence international security, finance, and development policies.
A major issue raised by Kenya during the UNGA was the need to reform the international financial system to help developing countries access financing that is more affordable and available over longer periods. Mudavadi stated that Kenya called for affordable, long-term, and local currency financing and reforms to the international financial architecture. According to the African Development Bank, Africa faces an estimated annual development financing gap of more than $400 billion.
The African Development Bank has identified local-currency financing as one way of helping countries reduce foreign-exchange risks linked to borrowing in international currencies. In 2025, the bank approved a $25 million investment in the Currency Exchange Fund to increase access to long-term local-currency financing and currency-risk management across Africa. Mudavadi emphasized that Kenya's engagement at the UNGA also promoted peacebuilding, humanitarian efforts, and economic cooperation.
Kenya's economic agenda comes as the country seeks to increase investment and employment opportunities. Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows that the economy expanded by 4.6% in 2025, compared with 4.7% in 2024. Total recorded employment, excluding small-scale agriculture, also rose from 20.8 million in 2024 to 21.6 million in 2025, representing 822,100 new jobs during the year.
Mudavadi stated that Kenya's UNGA engagements brought the country into contact with global investors, development finance institutions, multinational companies, and international economic organizations. He highlighted discussions by President Ruto with Alhaji Aliko Dangote and African Finance Corporation President Samaila Zubairu on the proposed East African refinery in Kenya and the planned establishment of an AFC regional office in Nairobi.
The proposed investment is set to receive further attention on September 30, when President Ruto is expected to host a groundbreaking event attended by representatives from several countries. Mudavadi emphasized that Kenya's participation in the UNGA brought together its diplomatic and economic goals, with the country seeking to attract capital, promote industrialization, deepen international partnerships, and create more opportunities for economic growth and employment.
Key points
- Kenya used the UNGA to push for greater African representation in global decision-making while seeking investment, affordable financing, and industrial growth.
- The country called for reforms to the international financial system to help developing countries access affordable and long-term financing.
- Kenya's participation in the UNGA brought together its diplomatic and economic goals, with the country seeking to attract capital, promote industrialization, and create more opportunities for economic growth and employment.
