NAIROBI, Kenya – A new Bill before Parliament could soon bar Kenya’s presidents from rewarding political allies with ambassadorial posts, marking a major shift toward professionalism in the country’s foreign service.
The Foreign Service (Amendment) Bill, 2025, tabled by Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna Ngusya, proposes that at least 70 per cent of Kenya’s ambassadors, high commissioners, and permanent representatives be drawn from career diplomats.
The remaining 30 per cent may be non-career appointees — but only if they demonstrate relevant expertise in diplomacy or international relations.
The proposal seeks to amend the Foreign Service Act, Cap 185E, to “maintain professionalism in the foreign service” and ensure diplomatic appointments are merit-based.
“The Bill aims to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of Kenya’s foreign representation by ensuring that most envoys are professionals with proven diplomatic experience,” reads part of the Bill.
Reining in Political Patronage
If passed, the law would curtail a long-standing practice of using ambassadorial positions as a soft landing for political figures and former Cabinet Secretaries.
In recent years, several politically-connected figures have been nominated as envoys, sparking criticism over lack of expertise.
For instance, in December 2024, President William Ruto nominated former ICT Cabinet Secretary Prof Margaret Ndung’u and ex-Agriculture CS Dr Andrew Karanja as envoys to Ghana and Brazil, respectively — appointments that drew mixed reactions. Ndung’u later declined the posting.
The amendment also aligns with Sessional Paper No.1 of 2025 on Kenya’s Foreign Policy, which seeks to institutionalize a citizen-centred, transparent, and interest-driven approach to diplomacy.
Committee Review and Expert Input
The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, is reviewing the Bill and is expected to receive input from the Office of the Attorney General and the Kenya Law Reform Commission.
Appearing before the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Affairs, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi backed the new direction, saying the proposed law and policy reforms will “anchor Kenya’s foreign policy in law and promote accountability in diplomatic appointments.”
Expanding Kenya’s Foreign Policy
Mudavadi noted that the new Sessional Paper broadens the 2014 policy framework — which focused on five pillars of peace, economic, environmental, diaspora, and cultural diplomacy — to include emerging areas such as health and technology diplomacy.
He described it as a “long-term, pragmatic vision suited to global changes,” aimed at strengthening Kenya’s global voice through professional and competent representation.
