The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has issued a strong warning that ongoing austerity measures and budget cuts threaten to derail the implementation of Kenya’s foreign policy and the smooth operation of its missions abroad. This caution is outlined in the final Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025 submitted to Parliament.
The ministry expressed concern that current funding constraints are already hampering its operations, including emergency responses to distressed Kenyans overseas. Delayed Exchequer disbursements, it notes, disrupt planned diplomatic programs and hinder the ministry’s growing responsibilities.
Kenya’s diplomatic footprint has grown significantly from 16 missions in 1995 to 70 missions today with plans to establish 10 more by 2030. However, this expansion has not been matched with sufficient funding. Staffing levels have risen by 56.2% since 2009, yet missions remain severely understaffed, especially in multilateral stations with heavier workloads. The ministry projects staff numbers will exceed 3,000 in five years.
The total resource requirement for the State Department for Foreign Affairs rose from Sh20.5 billion in 2014-15 to Sh52.9 billion in 2024-25—a 158% increase—yet Exchequer allocations only rose from Sh15.7 billion to Sh21.65 billion in the same period, creating a growing funding gap.
Meanwhile, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs needs Sh22.86 billion to execute its Strategic Plan, including services for Kenyans abroad, diaspora data systems, and remittance incentive frameworks.
To bridge funding shortfalls, the ministry is proposing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for property acquisition abroad and collaboration with financial institutions for diaspora programs. It also seeks Parliament’s approval to transfer its budget oversight to the Security Sector Working Group to boost its ceiling.
Additionally, the ministry is calling for the establishment of a Diaspora Welfare Fund and a Contingency Fund to protect missions from forex fluctuations. It recommends reinstating the Forex Loss Assumption Facility to cushion against exchange rate losses.
The Foreign Affairs ministry argues that increased funding is crucial for safeguarding Kenya’s global interests, supporting its citizens abroad, and effectively implementing its foreign policy agenda.
