By Nyang’au Araka
Stakeholders at the First National Conference on the National Interest of the Republic of Kenya have called for urgent action to define and operationalize the country’s national interest.
They warned that failure to do so remains a critical gap in implementing the Constitution.
The three-day conference, held recently at the ASK Dome Conference Centre and the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), brought together a broad spectrum of participants, including representatives from civil society, government institutions, faith-based organizations, academia, youth groups, labour unions, private sector bodies, and indigenous communities.
Guided by the principle of Utu and anchored in the Constitution of Kenya 2010, delegates said the forum was convened to “foster inclusive dialogue, build consensus, and articulate a shared understanding of Kenya’s National Interest.”
Participants emphasized that while the concept of national interest is already embedded in the Constitution, it has not been clearly defined or fully implemented.
“Though codified in the Constitution, Kenya’s National Interest has not been defined and implemented and is therefore a key Constitution implementation gap to be addressed urgently,” the communiqué states.
The conference unanimously agreed that Kenya’s primary national interest is “to safeguard the sovereignty and well-being of the people of Kenya and the nation, as an independent African state.”
Delegates described this as a constant and inalienable principle, forming the foundation upon which all other national priorities are built.
Among the non-negotiable national interests identified were the protection of sovereignty, unity, and security; the sanctity of life and human dignity; economic sovereignty and shared prosperity; and universal access to quality education and healthcare.
The communiqué also underscored the importance of peace and stability in the region, as well as strict adherence to constitutionalism.
On strategic priorities, the conference highlighted the need for accelerated industrialization, environmental conservation, elimination of corruption, and strengthening of devolution.
It also proposed the establishment of an independent National Sovereign Wealth Fund and called for stronger safeguards on Kenya’s data sovereignty.
In a significant policy position, delegates recommended a ban on the export of raw, unprocessed minerals, advocating instead for value addition to maximize benefits for citizens.
The communiqué further outlined an ambitious roadmap for implementation, including nationwide public participation across all 1,450 wards, development of a Sessional Paper and National Policy Framework, and the enactment of enabling legislation.
To ensure inclusivity, organizers plan to roll out simplified materials, translations into local languages, and digital platforms to engage citizens.
“Production of simplified briefs, infographics, and translations… [will] ensure ordinary Kenyans can engage meaningfully from a point of knowledge,” the statement notes.
The conference also proposed sustained engagement with Parliament, ministries, and county governments to integrate the resolutions into policy and budget processes, alongside the creation of a National Interest Coalition to drive advocacy.
Delegates stressed that all public policies and national budgets must align with the Constitution and the defined national interest.
“All public policies must be geared towards implementation of the Constitution and the National Interest,” the communiqué states.
They further called on all Kenyans to take collective responsibility in safeguarding national interests both locally and internationally, emphasizing that constitutional values must guide governance at all levels.
The conference brought together representatives from civil society organizations, government institutions, faith-based organizations, professional associations, academia, indigenous peoples, youth networks, disability organizations, labour unions, private sector bodies, and state institutions.
The communiqué has now been presented to the public for debate and validation, with its outcomes expected to inform future legislation and policy direction for the country.