Kenya is a proud member of the Commonwealth, since 1963, and remains committed to its ideals and objectives. The Commonwealth assists Kenya, under the CFTC and the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Regular Fund, mainly through: training courses, technical assistance, policy and advisory support, seminars and consultancies in the fields of good governance and democracy; trade and investment; economic and financial management; poverty reduction and public sector reforms.

The Commonwealth was founded in 1931 and is one of the oldest international groupings of nations. It is an association of 52 independent states and represents almost one-third of the world’s population.

Its ideals and objectives which are espoused in the Charter as core values and principles are the binding factor for its members. The Charter expresses the commitment of member states to the development of free and democratic societies and the promotion of peace and prosperity to improve the lives of all peoples of the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth is involved in a wide spectrum of activities towards the greater goals of good governance, respect for human rights, and peace and co-operation, rule of law, and alleviation of poverty through sustainable economic and social development.

Its two billion people are found in Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and the South Pacific, cutting across cultures, languages and races.

The Commonwealth Secretariat was established in 1965. It is headed by the Secretary General who is appointed every two years by the supreme body of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held biennially.