President William Ruto has executed a major reshuffle of Kenya's Foreign Service. The president's action, announced in a press statement by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, involves the nomination and redeployment of a host of new ambassadors, high commissioners, consul generals, and deputy heads of mission to key strategic posts across the globe. This "Executive Action," as it was officially termed, is designed to "optimise performance and enhance service delivery" within Kenya's diplomatic missions, signaling a new chapter in the nation's foreign policy.
The list of high-profile nominations reads like a strategic map of Kenya’s global priorities. The appointment of Ambassador Maurice Odhiambo Makoloo as the new High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in London is particularly notable, given the UK's historical ties and continued importance as a major trading partner. Similarly, the nomination of Ambassador Galma Mukhe Boru to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a post that serves as the seat of the African Union, highlights Kenya's commitment to strengthening its influence and engagement on the continent.
The reshuffle also includes significant appointments to key economic and political hubs. Ambassador Joseph Musyoka Masila is slated to head the embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a move that reflects the growing importance of diplomatic and economic ties with the Middle East. Other notable appointments include Ambassador Anthony Mwaniki Muchiri to Ankara, Turkey, and Ambassador Catherine Kirumba Karemu to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, reinforcing Kenya's relations with key partners in Europe and the East African region, respectively. Former Cabinet Secretary Florence Chepngetich Bore's nomination to Windhoek, Namibia, adds another experienced figure to the diplomatic corps.
The full list of new nominees for High Commissioners and Ambassadors is extensive, with new faces set to represent Kenya in places as diverse as Bangkok, Thailand; Dublin, Ireland; Jakarta, Indonesia; and Vienna, Austria. This geographical spread indicates a deliberate strategy to broaden Kenya’s diplomatic footprint and pursue new opportunities for trade, investment, and collaboration.
In addition to the top-level appointments, the President has also named new Consul Generals and Deputy Heads of Mission. These roles are crucial for on-the-ground diplomatic work and service delivery. The nomination of Jayne Jepkorir for the Dubai, UAE post, Mohamed Ramadhan Ruwange for Arusha, Tanzania, and Judy Kiaria Nkumiri for Goma, DRC, shows a focus on key regional and commercial centers. Furthermore, the appointments of several Deputy Heads of Mission to significant capitals like Berlin, Germany; Ottawa, Canada; and Seoul, Korea, signal a strengthening of diplomatic relations on a global scale.
In accordance with the Constitution of Kenya, all these nominations have been submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval. The nominees will now face a vetting process by the relevant parliamentary committee, a crucial step that ensures they are qualified and suitable for their new roles. This process is a vital part of Kenya's system of checks and balances, ensuring accountability and transparency in the highest levels of government.
