Envoys recalled as Kenya begins to restructure foreign missions

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr Karanja Kibicho. [PHOTO/FILE]

By FRANCIS NGIGE

KENYA: The Jubilee government has recalled a number of ambassadors serving in foreign missions as it starts reconstituting a new team.

Already, President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto are said to be working on a list of new ambassadors to replace those whose contracts have expired or are nearing completion.

Immediately after the two were sworn in, all ambassadors and high commissioners were summoned for a meeting in Nairobi for what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs termed as a ‘briefing session’.

There has been much speculation about the people who may be appointed to diplomatic positions with some claiming the Uhuru administration was planning a major overhaul of the missions. However, early this month, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr Karanja Kibicho moved to allay fears the Government was overhauling its foreign missions.

Kibicho said the Government would not terminate contracts for envoys whose terms had not expired. He said it would only introduce structural changes in how the missions operate.

“The President has not said he is going to overhaul the job holders in the diplomatic missions. He wants to introduce structural changes that will help improve the country’s economic relationship with States we relate with,” he said.

The PS said all the contracts of the 15 ambassadors recalled had expired and will only be eligible for reappointment after four years.

“Their contracts don’t end by the end of an election cycle, but we must remember they represent the President,” he said.

Unlike before when the President could make unilateral decisions on these appointments, the Constitution now requires the appointees to be vetted by Parliament. Uhuru and Ruto are therefore expected to draw a list from successful candidates and forward it to the House for approval.

The list

Among those who have been recalled are Kenyan ambassador to the US Elkanah Odembo and Kenya’s Consul General in Los Angeles Wenwa Akinyi Odinga. Former Kenyan ambassador to Ethiopia Monica Juma was recalled after she was appointed Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, while former ambassador to Ireland Richard Ekaye was transferred to the Ministry of Mining.

Uhuru allowed former Director of the Presidential Press Service Isaiah Kabira to assume duties in Australia. Former President Kibaki had appointed Kabira to the post before he retired.

Since taking power Uhuru has insisted his Government is keen to change its Foreign Policy. He has said it would be geared towards deepening trade relations with the East Africa Community and other African States.