2024 Foreign Policy Outlook Webinar

IRSK Protocol Team
Eunice Wawuda, Conference Protocol

Conference Overview
Master of Ceremony - Kemsa Rehan, Media Personality

The opening plenary session of the 2024 IRSK Annual Conference will feature distinguished diplomats, leaders, policymakers, and scholars experts and will set the stage for critical discussions on fostering integration and cooperation in the COMESA region. These esteemed experts will share insights on advancing diplomacy and international relations to address pressing global and regional challenges such as regional stability, peace, and sustainable development through collective action and shared goals.

Moderator
• Ms. Winnie Rugutt, Lecturer, DDIS, University of Nairobi

Opening Remarks:
• Leonard Wanyama, CEO, IRSK
• H.E. Jenny Da Rin, The Australian High Commissioner to Kenya

Welcoming Remarks:
• Dr. Kizito Sabala, Chairman, IRSK Annual Conference
• Dr. Bob Wekesa, Director, ACSUS, University of Witwatersrand

Featured Address
• Dr. Vasu Gounden, Executive Director, ACCORD
• Dr. Oita Etyang, Head, Governance Peace and Security, COMESA

Keynote Speech:
• H.E. Sebastian Groth, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kenya

Fostering Integration and Cooperation in the COMESA Region through International Relations and Diplomacy

This panel session convenes a distinguished group of diplomats, leaders, policymakers, and scholars dedicated to advancing regional cooperation and integration within the COMESA region. The discussions will focus on harnessing diplomacy and international relations to strengthen integration, drive sustainable development, and develop unified strategies for addressing regional challenges.
Through shared insights and collaborative efforts, panelists will explore innovative approaches to enhancing trade, promoting political cohesion, and unlocking economic potential across member states, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and interconnected regional community.

Moderator
• Winnie Rugutt, Lecturer, DDIS, University of Nairobi

Panelists
• Dr. Bob Wekesa, Director, ACSUS, University of Witwatersrand
• Dr. Kizito Sabala, Chairman, IRSK Annual Conference
• Dr. Oita Etyang, Head, Governance Peace and Security, COMESA
• Leonard Wanyama, CEO, IRSK

Launch of the 2023 IRSK Annual Conference Research Papers

This plenary session unveils a collection of research papers that were presented during the 2023 IRSK Annual Conference and have now been published by COMESA and ACCORD. The papers delve into critical issues facing the region, offering in-depth exploration of challenges, opportunities, and innovative solutions to foster regional integration, economic cooperation, and sustainable development.
Reflecting the collaborative spirit and intellectual rigor of the conference community, these publications bring together diverse
perspectives to enrich policy dialogues and inspire future research. This launch marks not only an academic achievement but also a meaningful step toward actionable impact within the region.

Moderator
• Dr. Andrea Prah, Senior Researcher, ACCORD, South Africa

Speakers
• Dr. Oita Etyang, Head, GPS, COMESA and Co-Editor, AJEN
• Elizabeth Mutunga, Coordinator, APSA, COMESA and Co-Editor, AJEN
• Dr. Kizito Sabala, Conference Chair and Co-Editor, COMESA Edited Book
• Prof. Kasaija Phillip Apuuli, Professor, Makerere University and Co-Editor, AJEN
• Dr. Rose Anyona, Co-Editor, COMESA Edited Book

Moderator
• Dr. John Mwangi Githigaro, Lecturer, St. Paul’s University, Kenya

Panelists
• Prof. Kasaija Phillip Apuuli, Professor, Makerere University, Uganda
• Dr. Kizito Sabala, Senior Lecturer, University of Nairobi, Kenya
• Dr. Dan N. Odaba, Executive Director, Institute for Peace and Economics, Kenya
• Ms. Berita Musau, Doctoral Fellow, Strathmore University, Kenya

Discussant
• Dr. Nicodemus Minde, Researcher, Institute of Security Strategies, Kenya

Moderator
• Mr. Lweendo Kambela, Doctoral Fellow, University of Tasmania, Australia

Panelists
• Amb. Anthony Okara, ALMA Special Ambassador, Kenya
• Dr. Bob Wekesa, Director, ACSUS, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
• Dr. Edson Ziso, Lecturer, University of Adelaide, Australia
• Prof. Macharia Munene, Professor, United States International University-Africa, Kenya

Discussant
• Dr. Stephen Mwachofi Singo, Lecturer, University of Nairobi, Kenya

Moderator
• Dr. Fatma Abdullatif, Director, Foreign Service Academy, Kenya

Panelists
• Dr. Shazia Chaudhry, Senior Lecturer, University of Nairobi, Kenya
• Peterson Waweru, MA Student, University of Nairobi, Kenya
• Shem Siteki, PhD Candidate, United States International University-Africa, Kenya
• Vumile Mncibi, Lecturer, University of Zululand, South Africa

Discussant
• Dr. Daniel Oloo Ong'ong'a, Lecturer, Mt. Kenya University, Kenya

Moderator
Dr. Andrea Prah (Ph.D.), Senior Researcher, ACCORD, South Africa

Panelists
• Prof Tim Murithi, Head of Programme - Peacebuilding Interventions, Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, South Africa
• Dr Festus Aubyn, Senior Research Fellow, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Ghana
• Prof Kasaija Apuuli, Professor, Makerere University, Uganda
• Dr Tunji Namaiko, Peace and Development Consultant, UNDP, Ethiopia
• Dr Oita Etyang, Head, Governance, Peace and Security, COMESA
• Muneinazvo Kujeke, African Governance, Peace & Security Expert

Q&A Session

Moderator
Jane Kibiru, Research Fellow, Trade and Economic Policy, COMESA

Panelists
• Ms. Elizabeth N. Mutunga, Coordinator, APSA, COMESA, Zambia
• Dr. Kizito Sabala, Senior Lecturer, University of Nairobi, Kenya
• Dr. Alice Karuri, Lecturer, Strathmore University, Kenya
• Ms. Winnie Cheptoo Rugutt, Lecturer, University of Nairobi, Kenya

Discussant
• Dr. Socrates Majeune, Lecturer, Department of Economics and Development Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya

Moderator
• Mr. Michael Higgins, Senior Researcher, Sahan East Africa, Kenya

Panelists
• Dr. Esther Muthoni King'ori, Lecturer, Strathmore University, Kenya
• Dr. Maureen Syallow, Lecturer, Strathmore University, Kenya
• Ms. Charlotte Irigoga, MA Candidate, Aga Khan University, Uganda
• Mr. Eliud Kibii, Diplomatic Reporter, The Star Newspaper

Discussant
• Prof. George Nyabuga, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Media and Communication, Aga Khan University, Kenya

IRSK Protocol Team
Eunice Wawuda, Conference Protocol

Overview of Day 1
Master of Ceremony - Kemsa Rehan Ali, Media Personality

This session will examine the collaborative efforts between Australia and Africa in advancing clean and sustainable energy. This panel will focus on the collaborative potential between Australia and Africa in the clean energy transition, emphasizing Africa’s vast reserves of critical minerals essential for renewable technologies. It will explore Australian investments in over 200 mining projects, valued at $60 billion, and discuss the role of initiatives like the Africa Green Hydrogen Hub. The panel will also discuss Africa’s clean energy goals, including Kenya’s target to generate 100% renewable electricity by 2030, while highlighting how both regions are working towards achieving SDG 7 for sustainable and modern energy access.

Moderator
• Georgie Ndirangu, Award-winning Communications Professional

Introductory Remarks:
• H.E. Jenny Da Rin, The Australian High Commissioner to Kenya.

Speakers
• Nikhath Zigmund, Kenya Country Director, Fortescue Future Industries
• Matthew Tilleard, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, CrossBoundary Group
• Dr. Faith Wandera, Director of Renewable Energy, State Department for Energy
• Amani Mhinda, Senior Advisor in Charge of Business and Strategy, Africatalyst

Moderator
• Georgie Ndirangu, Award-winning Communications Professional

Panelists
• Nikhath Zigmund, Kenya Country Director, Fortescue Future Industries
• Matthew Tilleard, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, CrossBoundary Group
• Dr. Faith Wandera, Director of Renewable Energy, State Department for Energy
• Amani Mhinda, Senior Advisor in Charge of Business and Strategy, Africatalyst

 LABOR MIGRATION PANEL

A Balance Between Opportunity and Exploitation

Africa is experiencing a significant surge in labour migration, both voluntary and forced, driven by numerous factors such as economic disparities, climate change, conflicts and political instability. While labour migration can offer substantial economic benefits to both source and destination countries, it also presents significant challenges, including exploitation, feminisation of migration, human trafficking, and social disruption. This panel on labour migration will explore and provide valuable insights on the multifaceted and complex dynamics of labour migration in Africa and identify practical solutions to address the challenges and maximize the opportunities associated with this phenomenon. Discussants will find time to share their experience and learn from each other on how to improve labour migration governance in the region. Eventually, the panel discussion will contribute to a more informed and effective approach to managing labour migration in Africa.

Moderator
• Joy Doreen Biira, Journalist and Media Personality

Introductory Remarks:
• Mathias Kamp, Country Director, KAS Kenya

Speakers
• Amb. Tom Amollo, former Ambassador of Kenya to Germany
• Dr. Margaret W. Gichanga, Steering Committee Member, Migration and Refugee Research Network, Oxford Brookes University, UK
• Frank Nuwagaba, Immigration Officer, IOM, Uganda
• Priscilla Kerebi, Vice Chair, KEPSA Education Sector Board

Moderator
• Joy Doreen Biira, Journalist and Media Personality

Panelists
• Amb. Tom Amollo, former Ambassador of Kenya to Germany
• Dr. Margaret W. Gichanga, Steering Committee Member, Migration and Refugee Research Network, Oxford Brookes University, UK
• Frank Nuwagaba, Immigration Officer, IOM, Uganda
• Priscilla Kerebi, Vice Chair, KEPSA Education Sector Board

 Challenges, Opportunities, and Collaborative Solutions

Moderator
• Dr. Andrea Prah, Senior Researcher, ACCORD

Panelists
• Evans Daka, Lecturer, University of Zambia
• Ms. Elizabeth Mutunga, Coordinator, APSA, COMESA
• Dr. Oita Etyang, Head, Governance, Peace and Security, COMESA
• Lweendo Kambela, University of Tasmania, Australia
• Boniface Cheembe, Lecturer, University of Zambia
• Dr. Musavengana W.T. Chibwana, Research Fellow, University of Free State, South Africa

Discussant
• Prof. Kasaija Apuuli, Professor, Makerere University, Uganda

 Intersections of Development, Diplomacy, and Debt

Moderator
• Kiplimo Kigen, Head of Policy Research & Advocacy, KNCCI

Panelists
• Dr. Mohamed Osman Guudle, Associate Professor, University of Hargeisa, Somaliland
• Susan Handa Onyango, Lecturer, Strathmore University, Kenya
• Stephen Fowler, Senior Consultant, Abu Dhabi
• Dr. Kizito Sabala, Senior Lecturer, University of Nairobi, Kenya
• Lemmy N. Mulaku, Ph.D. Candidate, DDIS, University of Nairobi

Discussant
• Dr. Peter Mwencha, Faculty Member, Aga Khan University, Kenya

Leveraging Technology, Political Mobilization and Democratic Practices

Moderator
• Edward Kakumu, KIC Sweden, Program Manager

Panelists
• Dr. Ndakaitei Makwanise, Lecturer, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe
• Fridah Wanjiru Njoki, University of Nairobi, Kenya
• Immanuel Mwendwa Kiilu, Student, Strathmore University, Kenya
• Thelma Nabwire Mondoh, Researcher, Golden Letters Research, Kenya
• Renic Ochieng, Researcher, Golden Letters Research, Kenya.

Discussant
• Dr. John Mwangi Githigaro, Lecturer, St. Paul’s University, Kenya

Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects

Moderator
• Con Omore Osendo, Independent Consultant, Governance and Economics

Panelists
• Dr. Kizito Sabala, Senior Lecturer, University of Nairobi, Kenya
• Benedict Arwa, Doctoral Candidate, University of Nairobi, Kenya
• James Shikwati, CEO, IREN East Africa, Kenya
• Patrick Njeru, Researcher, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Kenya
• Lawrence Jost, Researcher, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Kenya

Discussant
• Dr. Janet Muthoni Kiguru, Political and Economic Affairs Manager, Australian High Commission to Kenya

Harnessing Diplomacy, Competition, and Identity

Moderator
• Jane Kibiru, Research Fellow, Trade and Economic Policy, COMESA

Panelists
• Dr. Peter Mwencha, Faculty Member, Aga Khan University, Kenya
• Dr. Reason Masengu, Senior Lecturer, Middle East College, Oman (Virtual)
• Moronge Obonyo, Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
• Adlaide Musanga Muchesia, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Nairobi, Kenya
• Paul Chayuga, Researcher, Kenya School of Government

Discussant
• Dr. Christopher Onyango (Ph.D.), Director, Trade, COMESA (TBC)

A Multifaceted Exploration of Perspectives on Peace and Security in Africa

Moderator
• Dr. Oita Etyang (Ph.D.), Head, Governance, Peace and Security, COMESA

Panelists
• Prof. Redie Bereketeab, Senior Researcher, Nordica Africa Institute, Uppsala University, Sweden
• Anwar Abdifatah, PhD. Candidate in International Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya
• Edwine Otieno Ayoma, PhD Candidate, University of Nairobi, Kenya

Discussant
• Dr. Nicodemus Minde, Researcher, Institute of Security Strategies, Kenya

IRSK Protocol Team
Eunice Wawuda, Conference Protocol

Overview of Day 2
Master of Ceremony - Kemsa Rehan Ali, Media Personality

How Civil Society and Academia Use Research to Challenge International Norms and Practices

This session will explore the critical role civil society and academia play in reshaping global economic norms through research-driven advocacy. The discussion will focus on how these groups, operating at local, national, regional, and global levels, use evidence-based strategies to challenge entrenched practices in areas such as tax justice, debt advocacy, global fiscal standards, tax treaties, climate financing, and economic human rights violations. Panelists will demonstrate how civil society uses research to support campaigns, protests, and global advocacy, applying tools such as ranking lists, public awareness campaigns, and civil protests to apply pressure on both domestic and international actors.

Moderator
• Wanjiru Gikonyo, Transformational Governance Expert

Introductory Remarks:
• Leonard Wanyama, Regional Coordinator, The East African Tax and Governance Network (EATGN).

Speakers
• Riva Jalipa, Advisor, Amnesty International
• Kenneth Okwaro, Executive Director, Africa Centre for People, Institutions and Society (ACEPIS)
• Florence Syevuo, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Kenya Forum (TBC)

Moderator
• Wanjiru Gikonyo, Transformational Governance Expert

Panelists
• Riva Jalipa, Advisor, Amnesty International
• Leonard Wanyama, Regional Coordinator, The East African Tax and Governance Network (EATGN).
• Kenneth Okwaro, Executive Director, Africa Centre for People, Institutions and Society (ACEPIS)
• Florence Syevuo, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Kenya Forum (TBC)

This session seeks to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities for African youth in within the COMESA region, whereby youth discontent over issues such as unemployment, exclusionary policies, and police brutality reflects the broader continental challenges of youth underrepresentation. This panel discussion seeks to explore how African youth - especially in COMESA member states - can play a central role in shaping governance and democratic processes. The panelists will examine how regional cooperation, international relations, and diplomacy can be leveraged to amplify youth voices and support their active engagement in peace and security initiatives.

Moderator
• Eunice Wawuda, Student, DDIS, UoN

Introductory Remarks:
• George Ngoha, Conflict and Peace Researcher, DDIS, UoN

Panelists
• Esther Nambuye, Researcher and Consultant, DDIS, UoN
• Wambui Gachihi, Vice-Chair, International Relations Student Association of Kenya (IRSAK)
• Judy Njeri, Communications and Media Relations Assistant, IRSK
• Byron Osumba, Volunteer, United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Program

Moderator
• Kemsa Rehan, Media Personality

Speakers:
• Leonard Wanyama, CEO, IRSK
• Dr. Mathias Kamp, Country Director, KAS Kenya
• Dr. Oita Etyang, Head, GPS, COMESA
• Dr. Kizito Sabala, Chairman, 2024 IRSK Annual Conference

Vote of Thanks
• Roselyn Musera, Vice-Chair and Council Member, IRSK