President William Ruto, with Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei pose for a photo with the envoys at State House on January 20, 2025/PCS

President William
Ruto has officially dispatched a new cohort of Kenya’s ambassadors,
high commissioners, and consuls-general, underscoring the critical
role of diplomacy in advancing the country’s strategic interests on
the global stage.

“There is no greater honour in public service than the duty to
represent one’s country internationally,” Ruto said Tuesday while
hosting the team at State House.

He described the envoys as carriers of Kenya’s hopes, values,
and aspirations, with a clear mandate to foster mutually beneficial
relations, safeguard national interests, and faithfully represent the
people of Kenya with dedication and steadfast commitment.

Guided by outcomes-driven economic diplomacy and Kenya’s roadmap
to transform into a first-world economy through the National
Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund, the envoys were
tasked with pursuing strategic trade and investment opportunities to
accelerate development, create dignified livelihoods for young
people, and promote shared prosperity.

Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei hosted the ambassadors and
consuls-general-designate for a preparatory luncheon on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

“At such a defining moment in global history, we need more adept
diplomatic hands to help steer our nation’s interests and protect
vital global public goods. We are confident in each designee’s
capacity to meet the demands imposed by their high duty,” PS
Sing’Oei said.

President
William Ruto with Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei during a meeting with the envoys at State House on January 20, 2025/PCS

The deployment follows the successful completion of a rigorous
two-week pre-departure training at the Foreign Service Academy (FSA)
in Nairobi.

The training was designed to equip the envoys with the practical
and strategic skills necessary to represent Kenya effectively,
strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations, and navigate complex
global issues.

The officials were officially appointed by President Ruto through
a Gazette Notice dated October 3, 2025, after parliamentary vetting
and approval last September.

During the opening session of the training on October 23, 2025,
Acting Director-General Patrick Wamoto urged the diplomats to
demonstrate patience, resilience, accountability, and cultural
intelligence in their new roles.

He emphasised that diplomacy is anchored in persuasion rather than
coercion, and that consensus-building and mutually beneficial
partnerships are key.

“A diplomat is both a negotiator and a bridge-builder. Learn the
language, master the culture, and use every opportunity to tell
Kenya’s story,” Wamoto said, highlighting the increasing
complexity of diplomacy due to emerging global challenges, new
actors, and evolving geopolitical dynamics.

He further noted that today’s diplomatic agenda extends beyond
traditional political and economic concerns to include cross-border
issues such as climate change, water security, pollution,
biodiversity, infectious diseases, terrorism, drug trafficking, food
security, cyber security, and international crime.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei during the meeting at State House on January 20, 2025/PCS

“Effective diplomacy demands proactive and knowledgeable
engagement,” Wamoto said.

The acting DG underscored the government’s focus on economic
diplomacy, urging Kenya’s missions abroad to function as vibrant
hubs for investment promotion, trade expansion, and job creation.

He also emphasised the importance of digital diplomacy,
encouraging the envoys to enhance their communication and social
media skills to project Kenya’s image positively and counter
misinformation.

The following individuals were appointed to serve in Kenya’s
missions abroad:


Anthony Mwaniki Muchiri – Ambassador to Ankara, Turkey
Lucy Kiruthu – Ambassador to Bangkok, Thailand
Joseph Musyoka Masila – Ambassador to Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia
Edwin Afande – Ambassador to Vienna, Austria
Florence Chepngetich Bore – High Commissioner to Namibia
Henry Wambuma – High Commissioner to Bujumbura, Burundi
Abdirashid Salat Abdille – High Commissioner to Jakarta,
Indonesia
Jayne Jepkorir Toroitich – Consul General in Dubai, UAE
Judy Kiaria Nkumiri – Consul General in Goma, DRC
David Mwangi – Ambassador to Seoul, Republic of Korea


The envoys are expected to assume duty in their respective
stations upon completing their training, carrying with them Kenya’s
mandate to advance the nation’s interests, strengthen partnerships,
and contribute to the country’s journey toward global prominence
and shared prosperity.