PS Sing’oei urges Kenyan youth to take lead in shaping foreign policy

Speaking at a youth event, Dr Sing’oei emphasised that young people are not passive observers in foreign policy formulation but are its creators, implementers, and future custodians.

“People-centric foreign policy is critical for Kenya, where 75% of the population is made up of young people. Our focus now should be on placing the youth at the centre of foreign policy-making,” he said.

“The global youth strategy aims to ensure that every young person is included in the policy-making process. For that to happen, youth participation is essential.”

The PS noted that intergenerational dialogue is no longer optional, describing it as a national asset that strengthens trust, unity, and Kenya’s global voice.

He added that Kenya’s foreign policy is no longer confined to elite spaces, as young people have demonstrated the ability to navigate complex global dynamics through digital diplomacy and civic engagement.

Dr Sing’oei also highlighted how young Kenyans present thoughtful, research-driven diplomatic pitches on climate governance, multilateralism, cybersecurity, global justice, and conference diplomacy.

These insights, he said, have informed Ministry initiatives such as Foreign Policy Mashinani, which decentralises diplomacy to counties, universities, innovation hubs, and civic spaces.

“We are moving from a model where youth are consulted to one where youth are co-creating policy with us,” he noted.

“Their digital fluency and global awareness are invaluable to modern diplomacy.”

With today’s geopolitical environment increasingly shaped by digital narratives, social platforms, and information flows, the Ministry considers young people key drivers of Kenya’s digital diplomacy.

“Our youth understand the global digital environment better than any generation before them,” the PS said.

“They are central to how Kenya will communicate, negotiate, and build its voice on the international stage.”

Dr Sing’oei also acknowledged partners such as Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) for supporting youth-focused foreign policy programs, skills development, and governance training.

“Partnerships like those with KAS enable us to equip our young people with the tools, networks, and competencies needed to influence global discourse,” he added.