Kenya to strengthen role in global peacekeeping through diplomacy
Director-General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Josphat Maikara stated that Kenya has contributed to more than 26 UN and AU peacekeeping operations since 1979
Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to global peacekeeping by seeking to align its diplomatic efforts with military capability, a strategy officials say will consolidate the country’s reputation as a reliable peace partner.
Speaking at the inaugural Joint Technical-Level Workshop on International Peacekeeping at the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC), Ambassador Josphat K. Maikara, Director-General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, emphasized the need to integrate diplomacy into peacekeeping.
“Military capability is indispensable, but without diplomatic skill, it risks being misaligned, under-supported, or misunderstood. Diplomacy is our force multiplier,” Ambassador Maikara said, praising the professionalism and courage of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in missions across the world.
Maikara stated that Kenya has contributed to more than 26 UN and AU peacekeeping operations since 1979, with Kenyan officers often entrusted with senior command roles.
He outlined six strategic pillars to enhance the country’s role: deepening multilateral engagement, strengthening alliances with other troop-contributing countries, expanding training through institutions such as IPSTC, mobilising resources via diplomatic channels, negotiating mandates aligned to Kenya’s strengths, and institutionalising coordination between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
“Peacekeeping is not just about deploying troops; it is about shaping missions in ways that reflect our values of stability, inclusivity, and peacebuilding. Kenya must leverage its voice at the United Nations, African Union, and regional blocs to ensure Africa’s priorities are reflected,” he added.
Brigadier Stephen M. Huria, Chief of Operations at Defence Headquarters, echoed the call for synergy between diplomacy and defence, stressing that peacekeeping requires stronger coordination in the face of increasingly complex conflicts.
“Our boots on the ground and our voices at the table must move in unison, reinforcing each other for maximum impact,” he said.
He explained the importance of partnerships within the East African Community, IGAD, AU, and UN, noting that collaboration enhances interoperability and positions Kenya as a principled and dependable partner in global security.
Quoting the late Nelson Mandela, he urged delegates to embrace a whole-of-government approach: “Let us move beyond traditional silos and merge the strength of our forces with the foresight of our diplomacy.”
