Diplomatic Leadership and Vision for Kenya’s Global Presence
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi addressed newly appointed ambassadors and consul generals during a graduation ceremony at the Railway Headquarters offices. The event marked the completion of their pre-departure training, with Mudavadi personally presenting certificates to the envoys.
Mudavadi emphasized the importance of integrity, professionalism, and patriotism as the new diplomats take on their roles abroad. He described representing Kenya overseas as both an “honour and a responsibility.” Congratulating the envoys on their appointments by President William Ruto, he urged them to familiarise themselves with Kenya’s guiding policy framework.
“As envoys who will be representing our country abroad, you need to familiarise yourselves with Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025, which outlines Kenya’s contemporary foreign policy and strategic direction,” Mudavadi said. He explained that a solid understanding of this document would help align their diplomatic efforts with national priorities.
Trade diplomacy was highlighted as a central pillar of Kenya’s foreign policy. Mudavadi noted that it plays a key role in driving economic growth and expanding the country’s influence. He also pointed out the potential and challenges posed by Kenya’s youthful population, stressing the need for envoys to think innovatively about investment promotion and job creation.
“I urge you to ensure that in your diplomatic duty, your diplomacy must remain people-centred,” he added. Mudavadi emphasized that the envoys should not be detached from citizens, but rather engage with Kenyans at home and abroad to make foreign policy more inclusive and responsive to public needs.
Key Appointments and Roles
The new appointees, announced by President Ruto on October 3 following parliamentary approval, include a range of notable names. Anthony Mwaniki Muchiri has been assigned to Ankara, Turkey, while Lucy Kiruthu will serve in Bangkok, Thailand. Joseph Musyoka Masila is set to represent Kenya in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Edwin Afande will be stationed in Vienna, Austria.
Other appointments include Florence Bore, former Labour Cabinet Secretary, who will serve as High Commissioner to Namibia. Henry Wambuma will head to Bujumbura, Burundi, and Abdirashid Salat Abdille will be based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Jayne Jepkorir Toroitich has been named Consul General in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Judy Kiaria Nkumiri will serve in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo.
These envoys are expected to play a critical role in projecting Kenya’s image abroad, promoting trade and investment, and strengthening ties with the diaspora community.
Training and Preparedness
Mudavadi advised the envoys to base their engagements on credible data and statistics to ensure effective and well-informed decisions in the conduct of foreign affairs. He reminded them that they carry the trust of 56 million Kenyans and must serve with humility, wisdom, and dedication.
He commended the Foreign Service Academy for its well-structured training programme, which equipped the new envoys with the knowledge and skills to navigate global diplomacy. Acting Foreign Service Academy Director General Patrick Wamoto stated that the training had prepared the envoys to advance Kenya’s foreign policy, economic diplomacy, diaspora engagement, and climate change agenda.
Wamoto noted that the comprehensive programme was designed to ready them for the complex demands of global representation. He reminded the diplomats that “their conduct and decisions would directly reflect on the country’s reputation and influence globally.”
Expansion of Kenya’s Diplomatic Missions
The graduation ceremony coincided with the Cabinet’s approval to open new Kenyan diplomatic missions in Denmark, Vietnam, and the Vatican City. This move aims to deepen bilateral and multilateral engagement in strategic regions.