The Kenyan government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs has dismissed what it termed as misleading reports on its engagement of a U.S.-based public affairs and lobbying firm.
In a strongly worded statement on August 28, 2025, and signed by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, the government clarified that the reports carried by a section of local media were “gravely inaccurate and lack a factual basis.”
“It is important to underscore that such partnerships with lobbying firms are a standard and legitimate practice by governments worldwide,” the statement read in parts, adding that Kenya’s engagement was guided by national interests and in full adherence to the law.
The Ministry explained that the contract terms fall under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which requires disclosure of all activities, receipts, and disbursements.
Press Statement by Musalia Mudavadi. Photo: Government Spokesperson Source: X
“Just as one media outlet accessed these records to create its headline story, so too can any other interested organizations or parties freely obtain these publicly available documents,” Dr. Mudavadi noted.
According to the government, at least 17 countries, including five in Africa, have signed lobbying contracts in Washington since November 2024, amounting to more than 21 million U.S. dollars.
Kenya, it added, is seeking to safeguard its foreign policy priorities, strengthen bilateral ties, amplify its voice on climate finance and security cooperation, and enhance productive mobility, particularly for its youth.
Dr. Mudavadi further pointed out that Kenya’s engagement with lobbyists is neither extravagant nor unprecedented. “This public-private engagement is not unique to Kenya, and neither is it the first time.
Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi speaks during Katiba Day event at KICC in Nairobi. Photo: Musalia Mudavadi Source: Facebook.
All previous governments in Kenya since 1964, including the Late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, the Late Mzee Daniel Arap Moi, the Late Mwai Kibaki, and the retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, have engaged U.S. and U.K. lobbyists,” the statement read.
The Ministry emphasized that the move complements, rather than replaces, conventional diplomacy, and is aimed at ensuring tangible outcomes that directly benefit the Kenyan people.