As Kenya commemorates 60 years of diplomacy, National Security Advisor Monica Juma has disclosed that the country has had major milestones in regional and global peacekeeping.
Speaking on Thursday, December 5, at the University of Nairobi, Juma noted that Kenya participated in a United Nations peacekeeping mission before even gaining independence.
She further explained that the country's history is a rich narrative of strategic diplomacy and its unwavering role as an anchor state of commitment to global peace.
“Our nation’s history is not merely a trajectory of a chronological account of what has happened, but it is a rich narrative of strategic diplomacy and decision-making, resilience and an unwavering role as an anchor state for regional stability and increasingly an anchor state of commitment to global harmony and prosperity," Juma remarked.
She added, “We are playing not only within the national territory but also on the regional stage as we are being called increasingly to play at the global stage. It is important to note that Kenya, even before we became independent, actually was part of the first UN peacekeeping mission to the Congo. Our peace support DNA begins way before our independence as a nation.”
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Pivotal architect of peace and stability
Juma added that the nation has ascended to play in complex geopolitical landscapes and emerged as a pivotal architect of peace and stability.
"The pillar for search for peace and security is not an aspiration, but it has been the way we have lived our diplomacy and our national interest. We have also been a sanctuary that has become the humanitarian hub within our region and beyond. We have become this sanctuary where people can begin to speak even to the most difficult questions that relate to themselves. We have people who don't agree at home but come here to begin the conversation," she explained.
The national security advisor maintained that the country is now transforming its approach from reactive interventions to proactive interventions.
Lessons learnt
Juma added that through Kenya's interventions, the nation has learnt sustainable peacebuilding approaches.
“In the light of this, our toolkit has also expanded beyond what began as the traditional military approaches. We have learnt that sustainable peace is built not through force but through soft power, dialogue, persistent engagement, sharing values and addressing fundamental root causes of the conflicts,” Juma explained.
She added, "We stand here as a country that has forged a peacemaking doctrine that is broadening terms of the toolkit that we have and that is encompassing a normative framework of values for preventive action. Our nation has been on the forefront not just in responding to terrorist threat but also in defining the structures for dealing with violet extrimism and radicalization."
Numerous peacekeeping missions
Speaking during the event, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavdi disclosed that Kenya has participated in over 52 regional and international peacekeeping missions since 1979.
“In celebrating our 60 years of diplomacy, we cannot miss to showcase our great milestones in peace. Since 1979, when Kenya had the first comprehensive participation in peace support operations in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, our country has today participated in 52 regional and international peacekeeping missions as a troop-contributing country,” he stated.
Aim of the 60th anniversary celebrations
The 60th anniversary celebration on Kenya’s diplomatic journey is guided by the theme, 'Kenya's Diplomatic Journey in Contributing to a Secure, Sustainable and Prosperous Future.'
The celebrations feature a weeklong series of commemorative activities, including high-level diplomatic conferences, cultural and economic exhibitions showcasing Kenya’s heritage, publicity awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and recognition of distinguished Kenyan diplomats and individuals for their contributions.
The main goal of the celebrations is to reflect on the milestones and achievements of Kenya’s diplomatic journey since independence in 1964 and chart the path of the nation's future in international relations.
