Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Kenyan President William Ruto in Beijing/FILE
Since former Prime Minister Raila Odinga lost the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, a debate has emerged over Kenya’s diplomatic standing.
Many argue that the Kenya Kwanza administration has made several diplomatic missteps, further diminishing the country’s influence on the global stage.
At the onset of this administration, a diplomatic blunder was made regarding the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).
Subsequent moves such as Kenya’s handling of the crises in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan have only fueled criticism both locally and internationally. But is this truly a problem unique to the current government, or are we now facing the consequences of a flawed diplomatic culture that has been cultivated over the years?
Countries like China have mastered the balance between political and professional diplomacy. While political allegiance plays a role, professionalism is the cornerstone of China’s foreign service.
Chinese ambassadors are usually career diplomats who rise through the ranks after rigorous training at institutions like the China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU) and the Central Party School of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
They gain extensive experience before assuming ambassadorial roles, ensuring they are well-versed in geopolitics and their host countries’ dynamics.
Language proficiency is also prioritized in Chinese diplomatic appointments. A Chinese envoy in an English-speaking country, such as Kenya, will be fluent in English, while those posted in Russian- or Arabic-speaking nations will have the necessary language skills.
In contrast, Kenya often appoints envoys who lack the linguistic competence required for effective diplomacy in their assigned countries.
Still
on China’s diplomatic practice, many begin their careers as
attachés or junior diplomats in embassies, consulates, or at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) headquarters in Beijing. Some start
as interpreters or researchers in China’s diplomatic services.
In contrast, Kenya’s deputy directors and director-generals at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs often retire without ever being appointed as ambassadors.
Instead, they advise politically connected individuals who are given ambassadorial positions despite lacking diplomatic expertise.
This is where Kenya’s diplomacy goes wrong.
Kenya has long held a strong geopolitical position, but this has not always been received well by some of our peers. If we are to maintain relevance in global affairs, it is crucial to reassess our diplomatic strategies.
The number of losses Kenya has suffered—ranging from failing to secure the AUC chairmanship (twice) to missing out on leadership positions in the World Trade Organization, International Maritime Organization, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development—indicates a deeper issue in our diplomacy.
Even our bids to host institutions like the Loss and Damage Fund and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat have failed. Clearly, something is amiss.
During the 2022 campaigns, ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua emphasized that the Kenya Kwanza administration would appoint ambassadors who could effectively represent Kenya’s interests abroad.
However, while the government may have had a vision for its diplomatic corps, the reality has fallen short.
Kenya must have a frank conversation about whether its foreign missions provide value for taxpayers.
In an era of global interconnectivity, effective diplomacy is critical for trade, international relations, and foreign policy.
Yet, instead of prioritizing expertise, Kenya’s foreign service has become a dumping ground for failed politicians. Many ambassadors are appointed not for their diplomatic acumen but as political rewards, weakening our global standing.
The Foreign Service Act, 2021, meant to guide diplomatic appointments, has failed to professionalize this crucial sector.
Many career diplomats within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remain overlooked while politically connected individuals—many with no foreign policy experience—are appointed instead.
This compromises the quality of Kenya’s diplomatic engagement.
The United States follows a hybrid approach, sending professionals to strategic nations like China and Russia while reserving political appointments for friendlier or less critical nations.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon, Janet Garvey, emphasised that successful diplomats require specialized knowledge and a strong grasp of international relations.
Kenya must reform its foreign service by prioritizing career diplomats for ambassadorial appointments. This will ensure continuity, expertise, and strategic diplomatic engagement.
Political appointees, if necessary, should only be sent to non-critical postings, while key diplomatic positions should be filled by professionals with extensive experience in international relations.
Moreover, language proficiency should be a requirement for diplomatic postings. Kenya cannot afford to appoint envoys who lack the linguistic and cultural understanding necessary for effective engagement in their host countries.
Finally, if the government is serious about elevating Kenya’s global standing, it must stop using embassies as political consolation prizes.
A well-structured and professional diplomatic service is not just desirable, it is essential. Without it, Kenya will continue to suffer diplomatic losses and miss out on opportunities that could enhance its global influence.
The writer is a journalist and communication consultant.
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