Nairobi Trust Summit Calls for Stronger African Voice in Global Decision-Making

African leaders and governance experts have called for stronger representation in international institutions, greater accountability in public administration and more meaningful citizen participation as the Global Trust Summit in Nairobi examines ways to rebuild confidence in leadership and global cooperation.

The summit, running from October 21 to 23 under the theme “Weaving Trust: Binding Strands for a Stronger Global Order,” brings together government officials, regulators, civil society organisations, business leaders, academics and young people to discuss how institutions can earn public confidence through credible information, effective oversight and the fulfilment of commitments.

Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Abraham Korir Sing’Oei, described the meeting as a necessary response to declining confidence in institutions amid inequality, geopolitical tensions and concerns over governance.

“This is not a summit of convenience. It’s a summit of necessity,” he said.

A major focus of the discussions is Africa’s position in the international system, where the continent continues to seek greater influence over decisions affecting development finance, debt, climate action and global security.

Africa has 54 countries and more than 1.4 billion people but has no permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Participants are examining how international institutions can become more representative and responsive to the interests of the populations they serve.

Sing’Oei has argued that the legitimacy of multilateralism depends partly on whether global institutions adequately represent their members and deliver on their commitments.

The discussions also consider how regional cooperation, including through the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area, can strengthen Africa’s collective influence and expand economic opportunities.

At the domestic level, speakers stressed that international credibility must be matched by accountable governance and reliable public services.

They argued that institutions cannot demand public confidence solely on the basis of their legal mandates, but must demonstrate that they respond to citizens’ concerns and deliver tangible results.

Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu said credible information must lead to action throughout the accountability chain, reinforcing the need for oversight findings to translate into corrective measures.

Dr Priscilla, Director of the Communications Authority of Kenya, said institutions must resolve complaints rather than allow them to recur without meaningful intervention.

“Trust does not stop with complaints. It stops when the complaint has been resolved,” she said.

Felix Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, emphasised that public institutions must practise the standards they expect others to observe.

“A regulator that demands compliance from others must be an example of compliance,” he said.

Democratic participation emerged as another priority, with speakers at the Democracy Baraza arguing that citizens should retain an active role in shaping public decisions after elections.

Government Spokesperson Charles Owino said democratic power rests with citizens, while Independent Policing Oversight Authority chairperson Duncan Ojwang’ called for inclusive participation that does not privilege the loudest voices.

Mzalendo Trust Executive Director Caroline Gaita said public consultations must include mechanisms for decision-makers to respond to citizens’ contributions.

“Participation without a feedback loop is not engagement; it’s attendance,” she said.

The summit also examined the relationship between trust and economic development.

NBA Africa Chief Executive Clare Akamanzi said institutions must support their announcements with evidence of delivery, while venture capitalist Sean Karanja stressed the importance of integrity in relationships between investors and entrepreneurs.

The discussions reflect the view that confidence in institutions has practical consequences for investment, business growth, public cooperation and the implementation of development programmes.

Organisers are seeking to move beyond dialogue through a proposed Nairobi Call to Action on Global Trust.

The initiative is intended to encourage evidence-based decision-making, challenge inaccurate assumptions in data and risk assessments, and promote accountability for commitments made by institutions.

Awel Uwihanganye, Chief Executive of The Trust Summit, urged Africans to strengthen confidence in their own institutions, including courts, universities, regulators and financial institutions, while taking a more active role in shaping the continent’s future.

“Let us trust one another until we are given a reason not to,” he said.

Senate Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi described trust as “a belief that my legitimate expectations will be met within a reasonable time.”

As the summit continues through October 23, participants are considering how to establish mechanisms for monitoring commitments and reporting progress after the meeting ends.

The discussions place the responsibility for rebuilding trust on both domestic and international institutions, with success ultimately depending on whether commitments translate into more accountable governance, improved services, greater economic opportunity and a stronger African voice in global affairs.