NAIROBI, Kenya-The Foreign Service Academy has begun a two-week pre-departure training programme for officers preparing to take up assignments at Kenya’s diplomatic missions abroad.
The programme, which opened on November 2, brings together officers from the State Department for Foreign Affairs and other government departments.
It is designed to equip them with the practical knowledge and skills needed to represent Kenya effectively and deliver services in foreign missions.
Ambassador Michael Kiboino, the Secretary for Foreign Service Administration and Management, officially opened the programme at the Foreign Service Academy.
He said Kenya’s diplomatic missions play a central role in advancing the country’s foreign policy, protecting national interests and driving economic diplomacy.
The missions are expected to help attract foreign investment, expand markets for Kenyan goods and services, promote tourism and strengthen Kenya’s partnerships with other countries and international institutions.
Focus on professionalism and accountability
Ambassador Kiboino urged the officers to maintain professionalism, integrity and accountability as they prepare for deployment.
He emphasised the need for diplomats to safeguard official information, manage public resources prudently and offer efficient consular services to Kenyans living, working or travelling abroad.
The training will cover mission management, public finance, security, protocol, consular assistance and officers’ welfare.
Participants will also receive guidance on emerging risks affecting diplomatic work, including information security and cybersecurity.
The programme comes at a time when diplomatic missions are increasingly expected to provide support beyond traditional political engagement, including trade promotion, investment mobilisation, diaspora services and the protection of citizens abroad.
Acting Foreign Service Academy Director General Ambassador Patrick Wamoto said officers must adapt to a changing diplomatic environment and develop stronger coordination with key stakeholders.
He said the training would help the officers respond more effectively to emerging challenges while improving Kenya’s representation in foreign capitals.
Strengthening Kenya’s diplomatic service
The Foreign Service Academy was established under the Foreign Service Act, 2021, with the mandate to build the capacity of officers serving in the Foreign Service and other public institutions involved in international affairs.
The Academy plays a key role in preparing officers for diplomatic engagements by offering training on foreign policy, international relations, protocol, security and public administration.
The latest programme is expected to improve operational readiness at Kenya’s missions abroad while enhancing service delivery for Kenyans seeking assistance outside the country.
It will also support the government’s wider efforts to use diplomacy as a tool for economic growth, including the search for new export markets, investment opportunities and international partnerships.
Kenya has continued to place economic diplomacy at the centre of its foreign policy, with missions abroad expected to support trade, tourism, labour mobility and engagement with the Kenyan diaspora.
Officers are expected to complete the programme before proceeding to their assignments abroad.
