Report On Approval Hearings Of Nominees For Appointment To Foreign Service

A report of Defence, Intelligence And Foreign Relations (National Assembly)

Published: September 2025 · 13th

Original PDF — parliament.go.ke

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THENATIONALASSEMBLY

THIRTEENTHPARLIAMENT-FOURTHSESSION(2025)

DEPARTMENTALCOMMITTEEONDEFENCE,INTELLIGENCEANDFOREIGN RELATIONS

REPORT ON:

APPROVALHEARINGSOFNINE(9)PERSONSNOMINATEDFORAPPOINTMENT TOTHEOFFICESOFHIGHCOMMISSIONER,AMBASSADOR,ANDCONSULGENERAL

CLERK'SCHAMBERS DIRECTORATEOFDEPARTMENTALCOMMITTEES PARLIAMENTBUILDINGS NAIROBI

SEPTEMBER,2025

TABLEOFCONTENTS

| LISTOFABBREVIATIONSANDACRONYMS. | | |--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------| | CHAIRPERSON'SFOREWORD | | | EXECUTIVESUMMARY. | | | 1.0 PREFACE....... | 9 | | 1.1INTRODUCTION. | 9 | | 1.2MANDATE OFTHECOMMITTEE. | | | 1.3COMMITTEESUBJECTS.... | 9 | | 1.4COMMITTEEMEMBERSHIP... | 10 | | 1.5COMMITTEESECRETARIAT.. | 11 | | 2.0BACKGROUND..... | 12 | | 2.1THEOFFICEOFHIGHCOMMISSIONER/AMBASSADOR/PERMANENTREPRESENTATIVE/CONSUL-GENERAL.. | 12 | | 2.2NOTIFICATIONOFNOMINATIONS... | ..12 | | 2.3NOTIFICATIONTOTHEHOUSEANDREFERRALTOTHECOMMITTEE.... | .13 | | 2.4NOTIFICATIONTOTHEPUBLIC..... | 13 | | 2.5NOTIFICATIONTOTHENOMINEES... | ..13 | | 2.6CLEARANCEANDCOMPLIANCEREQUIREMENTS | 13 | | 2.7ISSUESFORCONSIDERATIONDURINGTHEAPPROVALHEARINGS.. | .14 | | 2.8MEMORANDAFROMMEMBERSOFTHEPUBLICINRESPECTOFTHENOMINEES | 16 | | 3.0APPROVALHEARINGS | 17 | | 3.1HON.FLORENCEC.BORE-NOMINEEASHIGHCOMMISSIONER,WINDHOEK,NAMIBIA.. | 17 | | 3.1.1QuestionsfromtheGeneralQuestionnaire... | .17 | | 3.1.2GeneralandMission-SpecificQuestionstotheNominee 3.1.3Committee'sDeterminationontheSuitabilityoftheNominee..... | 18 | | 3.2AMB.ANTHONYM.MUCHIRI-NOMINEEASAMBASSADOR,TURKEY... | .19 20 | | 3.2.1QuestionsfromtheQuestionnaire... | 20 | | 3.2.2GeneralandMission-SpecificQuestionstotheNominee.... | 21 | | 3.2.3Committee'sDeterminationontheSuitabilityoftheNominee | .22 | | 3.3AMB.LUCYKIRUTHU-NOMINEEASAMBASSADORTOBANGKOK,THAILAND | 23 | | 3.3.1QuestionsfromtheQuestionnaire..... | 23 | | 3.3.2GeneralandMission-SpecificQuestionstotheNominee.. | 24 | | 3.3.3Committee'sDeterminationontheSuitabilityoftheNominee.. | 25 | | 3.4MR.HENRYWAMBUMA-NOMINEEASAMBASSADOR,BUJUMBURA,BURUNDI.. | ..26 | | 3.4.1QuestionsfromtheGeneralQuestionnaire... | 26 | | 3.4.2GeneralandMission-SpecificQuestionstotheNominee | ..27 | | 3.4.3Committee'sDeterminationontheSuitabilityoftheNominee... | 28 | | 3.5MR.ABDIRASHIDSALATABDILLE-NOMINEEASAMBASSADOR,JAKARTA,INDONESIA 3.5.1QuestionsfromtheGeneralQuestionnaire.. | 29 29 | | 3.5.2GeneralandMission-SpecificQuestionstotheNominee.. | .30 | | 3.5.3Committee'sDeterminationontheSuitabilityoftheNominee | 31 | | 3.6AMB.JOSEPHMUSYOKAMASILA-NOMINEEASAMBASSADOR,RIYADH,SAUDIARABIA. | ..31 31 | | 3.6.1QuestionsfromtheGeneralQuestionnaire.. | | | 3.6.2GeneralandMission-SpecificQuestionstotheNominee.. | 32 | | 3.6.3Committee'sDeterminationontheSuitabilityoftheNominee | .34 .35 | | 3.7AMB.EDWINAFANDE-NOMINEEASAMBASSADOR,VIENNA,AUSTRIA.. | .35 | | 3.7.1QuestionsfromtheGeneralQuestionnaire.... | | | 3.7.2GeneralandMission-SpecificQuestionstotheNominee. | .36 .36 | | 3.7.3Committee'sDeterminationontheSuitabilityoftheNominee... | | | 3.8MS.JAYNEJEPKORIRTOROITICH-NOMINEEASCONSUL-GENERAL,DUBAI,UNITEDARABEMIRATES.... | ...37 .37 | | 3.8.1QuestionsfromtheGeneralQuestionnaire... | .38 | | 3.8.2GeneralandMission-SpecificQuestionstotheNominee | ..39 | | 3.8.3Committee'sDeterminationontheSuitabilityoftheNominee... | | | 3.9MS.JUDYKIARIANKUMIRI-NOMINEEASCONSUL-GENERAL,GOMA,DEMOCRATICREPUBLICOFTHECONGO...... 3.9.1QuestionsfromtheGeneralQuestionnaire... | ..40 40 | | 3.9.2GeneralandMission-SpecificQuestionstotheNominee... | .41 |

| 3.9.3Committee'sDeterminationontheSuitabilityoftheNominee | 41 | |-------------------------------------------------------------|------| | 4.0GENERALCOMMITTEEOBSERVATIONS... | ..43 | | 5.0COMMITTEERECOMMENDATION. | |

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3 ReportoftheDepartmentalCommitteeonDefence,IntelligenceandForeignRelationsontheapprovalhearingsofnine(9)persons nominatedforappointment totheofficesofHighCommissioner,Ambassador,andConsul-General(September2025)

LISTOFABBREVIATIONSANDACRONYMS

AAPSCOMSAssociationofAfricanPublicServiceCommissions

ASEAN

AssociationofSoutheastAsianNations

BETA

Bottom-UpEconomicTransformationAgenda

CBS

ChiefoftheOrderoftheBurningSpear

COMESA

CommonMarketforEastern andSouthernAfrica

CRB

CreditReferenceBureau

DCI

Directorate of Criminal Investigations

DRC

Democratic Republic of the Congo

EAC

EastAfrican Community

EACC

EthicsandAnti-CorruptionCommission

EGH

ElderoftheOrderoftheGoldenHeart

EU

European Union

FDI

Foreign Direct Investment

GDP

GrossDomesticProduct

HELB

HigherEducationLoansBoard

HSC

HeadofStateCommendation

ICT

Information and Communication Technology

ILO

InternationalLabourOrganization

IMO

InternationalMaritime Organization

JCC

Joint Commissionof Cooperation

KEPSA

KenyaPrivateSectorAlliance

KRA

Kenya Revenue Authority

MBS

Moran of the Burning Spear

MFA

MinistryofForeignAffairs

MFDA

Ministry of Foreign&DiasporaAffairs

NGAAF

National GovernmentAffirmativeActionFund

ODPP

OfficeoftheDirectorofPublicProsecutions

OP

OfficeofthePresident

ORPP

Office of the Registrar of Political Parties

PKK

Kurdistan Workers’ Party

PTE

PrimaryTeacherEducation

RPP

RegistrarofPoliticalParties

SACCO

Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization

SADC

SouthernAfricanDevelopment Community

SME

SmallandMediumEnterprises

TVET

Technical and Vocational Education and Training

UAE

UnitedArabEmirates

UDA

UnitedDemocraticAlliance

UDM

UnitedDemocraticMovement

UK

United Kingdom

UN

UnitedNations

USA

UnitedStatesofAmerica

USIU

UnitedStatesInternationalUniversity

LISTOFANNEXURES

| Annexure1: | Transmittal letter from H.E. the President regarding parliamentary approval of thenomineesfor appointmenttotheForeignService | |--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Annexure 2: | Messagefrom theHon.Speakerof theNational AssemblytotheHouse regardingnominationofpersonsfor appointment asAmbassador,Permanent Representative,andConsuls-General | | Annexure3: | Advertisement notifying thepublic of the approval hearing and submission of memoranda | | Annexure 4: | Lettersfrom theClerk oftheNational Assemblyinvitingthenomineesforthe approvalhearing | | Annexure5: | Letters from the Clerk ofthe National Assemblyto EACC,KRA,DCI, ORPP andHELBrequestingforinformationonthenominees | | Annexure6: | LettersofclearancefromEACC,KRA,DCI,ORPP and HELB | | Annexure 7: | Nominees'Clearance Certificatesfrom EACC,KRA,DCI,ORPP and HELB | | Annexure8: | Memorandaonthesuitabilityofthenominees | | Annexure 9: | Nominees'curriculavitae | | Annexure10: | Minutes of sittings of the Committee | | Annexure 11: | Committee's Report AdoptionSchedule |

CHAIRPERSON'SFOREWORD

This report presents the findings of the Departmental Committee on Defence,Intelligence,and Foreign Relations following the approval hearings of nine (9) nominees for appointment as High Commissioner, Ambassadors and Consuls-General. The hearings assessed the nominees'suitability againstestablished legal andpolicycriteria.

The CommitteeisestablishedpursuanttoArticle124(1)of the Constitution and theNational Assembly Standing Order 216. The National Assembly Standing Order 216 spells out the mandate of Departmental Committees which includes to: vet and report on all appointments where the ConstitutionoranylawrequirestheNationalAssemblytoapprove,exceptthoseunderStanding Order 204 (that are done by the Committee on Appointments). Further, the Second Schedule of the Standing Orders mandates the Committee,among others,to overseeforeignrelations,diplomatic andconsularservices,andinternationalrelations.

The Officeof High Commissioner,Ambassador and Consul-General is an officeunder theMinistry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. The duties of the office, pursuant to Section 21 of the Foreign Service Act Cap 185E, are to: actively pursue the foreign policy objective of the Republic; act as the personal representative of the Head of State; act as an official representative of the Republic at official functions in the host country; be responsible for the management and administration of the Mission;andbe accountablefor anyexpenditureoftheMission.

All thenomineesappearedbeforetheCommitteefor approvalhearingson3rdand 4"September 2025. The Committee examined the nominees against the criteria set out in Section 7 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F.

s Foreign Service Act, Cap 185E and Standing Order 216(5)(f) of the National Assembly, the Committee recommends that theHouse approves all the nominees for appointment as High Commissioner,Ambassadors,andConsuls-General.

I take this opportunity to thank all the Members of the Committee for their input and valuable contributions during the approval hearings and preparation of this report. The Committee also appreciates theOfficesoftheSpeaker andof theClerkoftheNationalAssemblyforthetechnical support accorded toitduring the exercise.

On behalf of the Committee and pursuant to Standing Order 199(6) of the National Assembly, it is nowmydutyandprivilegetopresenttotheHouse,theReportoftheDepartmentalCommitteeon Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on the Approval Hearings of nine (9) persons nominated for appointment to the Offices of High Commissioner, Ambassador, and Consul-General.

Hon.Nelson Koech, CBS,M.P.

Chairperson,CommitteeonDefence,IntelligenceandForeignRelations

EXECUTIVESUMMARY

Article 124(4)(a)of the Constitution provides that when a House of Parliament considers any appointmentforwhichitsapprovalisrequiredundertheConstitutionoranActofParliament,the appointment shall be considered by a Committee of the relevant House.

PursuanttoArticles132(2)(e)andSection5ofthePublicAppointments(ParliamentaryApproval) Act,Cap 7F,His Excellency thePresidentforwarded to theSpeaker of theNational Assembly a notification of nomination containing thenames and curricula vitae of nine(9)persons for appointment to the positions of High Commissioner,Ambassadors,and Consuls-General for considerationforapprovalbytheNationalAssembly.

On Tuesday19thAugust 2025,and pursuant toStandingOrder 42(2),the Speaker of the National Assembly conveyed the message to the House and forwarded the names of the nominees to the Departmental Committee onDefence,Intelligence and ForeignRelationsforvetting andreporting to the House within twenty-eight (28) days. This is pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 45(1) and 216(5)(f), Article 124(4)(a) of the Constitution, and Section 6(1)of the Public Appointments (ParliamentaryApproval) Act, Cap 7F.

In accordance with Section 6(9) of the PublicAppointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act,Cap 7F, the Clerk of the National Assembly placed an advertisement in the print media on Saturday 23rd August 2025,inviting the public to submit memorandaby way of written statements on oath (affidavit) on the suitability or otherwiseofeach of the nomineesin accordancewith theprovisions of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F.

The advertisement indicated that the submissions were tobe received byMonday1st September 2025at 5.00pm.By theclose of the submission deadline,theCommitteehad not received any memorandumcontesting thesuitability of any of thenine(9) nominees.

Additionally, the Clerk wrote to relevant agencies in compliance with the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on LeadershipandIntegrity.All the agencies cleared the nominees and affirmed their good standing in matters tax compliance,criminal records,higher education loan repayments, political party affiliations and ethics and integrity.

Further, in fulfilment of the provisions of Article 118 of the Constitution,Section 6(4) of thePublic Appointments (Parliamentary Approval)Act, Cap 7F and Standing Order 45(3)of the National Assembly,theClerkoftheAssemblyonSaturday23rdAugust2025,notifiedthepublicthrough the print media that the Committee would conduct the approval hearings on Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th September 2025. Consequently, nine nominees appeared before the Committee as scheduledfor approval hearings on theirsuitability or otherwisefor appointment.

Further, pursuant to Section 6(7) & (8) and Section 7 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval)Act,Cap 7F,the Committee observed that all the nine (9) nominees met theintegrity threshold; demonstratedvarying degrees ofknowledge oftopical,administrative and technicalissues touchingonthepositionstowhichtheyhadbeennominated;andhadtherequisiteabilities,academic qualifications and professional experience to be approved for appointment as High Commissioner, Ambassadors, and Consuls-General in accordance with Article 132(2)(e) of the Constitution.

Having conducted the approval hearings pursuant to Article132(2)(e) of the Constitution; Sections 3 and 8 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F; Section 20(2) of the Foreign Service Act, Cap 185E and Standing Order 216(5)(f)of the National Assembly, the CommitteerecommendsthattheHouseAPPROVEStheappointmentof:

  • 1) Hon. Florence Chepngetich Bore as High Commissioner, Windhoek, Namibia;

2. 2)Amb.AnthonyMwaniki Muchiri as Ambassador,Ankara,Turkey;

  • 3)Amb.Lucy Kiruthu as Ambassador,Bangkok, Thailand;
  • 4)Mr.HenryWambuma asAmbassador,Bujumbura,Burundi;
  • 5)Mr.Abdirashid SalatAbdille as Ambassador,Jakarta,Indonesia;
  • 6 Amb.JosephMusyokaMasila asAmbassador,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia;
  • Amb.Edwin Afande as Ambassador,Vienna,Austria;
  • 8)Ms.Jayne Jepkorir Toroitich as the Consul-General,Dubai,United Arab Emirates; and
  • 9)Ms. Judy Kiaria Nkumiri as the Consul-General, Goma,Democratic Republic of the Congo.

1.0PREFACE

1.1 Introduction

  • 1.Pursuant toArticle 132(2)(e)ofthe Constitution as read with Sections 20(2) and 22(2)(a) ofthe Foreign Service Act, Cap 185E,His Excellency the President, through the Head of the Public Serviceandviathetransmittalletterdated15"hAugust2025,transmittedtotheSpeakerofthe National Assembly names of nine (9) persons nominated for approval by the House for appointmentasHighCommissioner,Ambassadors,and Consuls-General.

2. Article 124(4)(a) of the Constitution provides that when a House of Parliament considers any appointmentfor which its approval isrequired under the Constitution or anAct ofParliament, the appointment shall be considered by a Committeeof the relevant House.

  • 3.This report details the proceedings of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations during the approval hearings of the nine (9) persons nominated for appointment asHigh Commissioner,Ambassadors and Consuls-General.Thepurpose of the approval hearingwas to ascertain the suitability of the nominees to discharge the responsibilities oftheofficestowhichtheyhadbeennominated.

1.2MandateoftheCommittee

4. The Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations is one of the Departmental Committeesof theNationalAssemblyestablishedunderStandingOrder 216 whose mandates, pursuant to the Standing Order 216 (5) includes, among others, to vet and report onall appointmentswheretheConstitution or anyother lawrequires theNational Assembly toapprove,except thoseunderStandingOrder204(CommitteeonAppointments).

1.3 CommitteeSubjects

  • 5.Thesubjectmatterof theCommitteeisstatedin theSecond ScheduleoftheNational Assembly StandingOrders andincludes,amongothers,foreign relations,diplomatic and consular services, andinternationalrelations.
  • 6.In executing its mandate,the Committee oversees the following government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs):
  • a)TheMinistry of Foreign and DiasporaAffairs;
  • b) TheMinistry of Defence;
  • The State Department forEast African Community(EAC)Affairs; and
  • d)The National Intelligence Service (NIS).

1.4 Committee Membership

  • 7.The Committee,initially constituted by the House on 27th October 2022 and reconstituted on 6th March 2025, brings together a diverse and experienced team of legislators entrusted with steering the nation's Defence,Intelligence and Foreign Relations agenda.Its membershipis as follows:

Chairperson

Hon. Nelson Koech, CBS, M.P.

Belgut Constituency

UDA Party

Vice-Chairperson Hon.Maj.(Rtd.) Sheikh Abdullahi Bashir,M.P. Mandera North Constituency UDM Party

Members

| Hon.WanjiraMarthaWangari,CBS,M.P. Gilgil Constituency UDA Party | Hon.Joshua Kandie, M.P. Baringo Central Constituency UDA Party | |------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------| | Hon.Hassan Abdi Yusuf,CBS,M.P. Kamkunji Constituency JubileeParty | Hon. Kwenya Thuku Zachary, M.P. Kinangop Constituency JubileeParty | | Hon.OdhiamboMillieG.Akoth,CBS,M.P. Suba North Constituency ODM Party | Hon. Logova Sloya Clement, M.P. SabatiaConstituency UDA Party | | Hon.KanchoryElijah Memusi,M.P. Kajiado Central Constituency ODM Party | Hon.Ikana Fredrick Lusuli,M.P. Shinyalu Constituency ANC Party | | Hon. (Dr.) Kasalu Irene Muthoni,MP Kitui County WDM-K | Hon.Mohamed A.Hussein,M.P. Lagdera Constituency ODM Party | | Hon. Kirima Moses Nguchine, M.P. Imenti Central Constituency UDA Party | Hon.Anne Wanjiku Muratha, M.P. Kiambu County UDA Party | | Hon.Luyai CalebAmisi,M.P. Saboti Constituency ODM Party | |

1.5CommitteeSecretariat

  • 8.The Committee Secretariat is composed of a dedicated team of technical experts who provide crucial support to the Committee.It comprises thefollowingstaff:

Mr.DennisM.Ogechi

First ClerkAssistant/Head ofSecretariat

Mr.Martin Sigei

Mr. Bernard Njeru

ResearchOfficerIII

ClerkAssistantIII

Mr. Lenny Muchangi

Ms.Noelle Chelagat

Legal Counsel II

MediaRelationsOfficerII

Mr.Salat Ali

Ms.JudithKanyoko

Principal Serjeant-at-Arms II

Legal Counsel II

Mr. John Ng'ang'a

Mr.Daniel Ominde

Audio OfficerI

Research OfficerIII

Mr.Alvin Ochieng

Mr.EdwinMachuki

Research OfficerIII

Fiscal AnalystIII

2.0BACKGROUND

2.1TheOfficeof HighCommissioner/Ambassador/Permanent Representative/ConsulGeneral

9. The Office of High Commission, Ambassador and Consul-General is an office under the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs according to Executive Order No.1 of 2025. 10. The duties of the office (Head of a Mission), pursuant to Section 21 of the Foreign Service Act Cap185E,are to: 3. (a)actively pursue theforeign policy objective of the Republic in the host country; 4. (c)act as an official representative of theRepublic at official functions in the host country; 5. (b) act as the personal representative of the Head of State in the host country; 6. (d) be responsible for the management and administration ofthe Mission and all members of the Foreign Service located at the Mission, including the locally engaged staff of the Mission; and 7. (e)be accountableforanyexpenditure oftheMission and ensure that thebudget of theMission otherapplicablelawsandregulations. 8. 11.On appointment,Article132(2)(e)oftheConstitutionprovidesthatthePresidentshall nominate and,withtheapprovaloftheNationalAssembly,appointandmaydismisshighcommissioners, ambassadors and diplomatic and consularrepresentatives.Section 20of theForeign Service Act,Cap 185E,reaffirms these constitutional provisions,designating the Office of a high commissioner,ambassador,diplomatic,orconsularrepresentative as aState officeasperArticle 260oftheConstitution. 9. 12.Additionally,Section 20(2)of the Act provides that in accordance with Article 132(2)(e) of the Constitution,thePresident shall nominate and,subject to approval by theNationalAssembly, appoint high commissioners, ambassadors, and diplomatic or consular representatives. Furthermore, Section 20(3) of the Act mandates that a nomination under subsection (2) should ensure a fair balance betweencareer diplomats and other appointees, as well asrepresent the gender, regional, and other diversities of the Kenyan populace. Any individual nominated for appointment under subsection (2) must be a Kenyan citizen and possess reputable character and standing.

2.2Notificationof Nominations

  • 13.Pursuant to Article 132(2)(e) of the Constitution as read with Sections 20(2) and 22(2) of the ForeignServiceAct Cap185E,and Sections3and5ofthePublicAppointments(Parliamentary Approval)Act,Cap7F,HisExcellencythePresident,throughtheHeadofthePublicService, transmitted to the Speaker of the National Assembly,vide the transmittal letter dated 15th August2025,referencedOP/CAB.26/4AVOL.I(Annexure1),thenamesandcurriculavitae of the following nine(9) persons nominated for appointment to the respective offices:
  • 1)Hon. Florence Chepngetich Bore, High Commissioner, Windhoek, Namibia;
  • 2) Amb. Anthony Mwaniki Muchiri, Ambassador, Ankara, Turkey;
  • 3)Amb.Lucy Kiruthu,Ambassador, Bangkok Thailand;
  • 4)Mr.Henry Wambuma,Ambassador,Bujumbura,Burundi;
  • 5)Mr. Abdirashid Salat Abdille, Ambassador, Jakarta, Indonesia;
  • 6 Amb. Joseph Musyoka Masila, Ambassador, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia;
  • 7) Amb.EdwinAfande,Ambassador,Vienna,Austria;
  • 8) Ms. Jayne Jepkorir Toroitich, Consul-General, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and
  • 9 Ms. Judy Kiaria Nkumiri, Consul-General, Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo.

2.3NotificationtotheHouseandReferraltotheCommittee

  • 14.Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 42(2) of the National Assembly,the Speaker, through a Communication dated Tuesday,19th August 2025,informed the House of the President's Message (Annexure 2) on nomination of nine (9) persons for approval for appointment to the offices of High Commissioner, Ambassador and Consul-General for approval bytheNationalAssembly.
  • Standing Order 216(5)(f)as read with theSecond Scheduleof the Standing Orders of the NationalAssembly,the names and curriculavitae of the nominees were referred tothe Departmental Committee onDefence,Intelligence and ForeignRelationsfor approval hearings, asrequiredunderArticle124(4)(a)oftheConstitution.

2.4Notification to thePublic

  • 16.Article118 of the Constitutionprovides thatParliamentshallfacilitatepublicparticipation and involvementinthelegislativebusinessandotherbusinessofParliamentanditsCommittees. Further, Section 6(4) ofthe Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F provides that the Clerkshall notify thepublicof the time and placeforholding approval hearings at least sevendayspriortothehearings.

17. Further, Section 6(9) ofthe Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F provides that anyperson may,prior to the approval hearings and by written statement on oath,provide theClerkwithevidencecontestingthesuitabilityofacandidatetoholdtheofficetowhichthe candidatehasbeennominated.

  • 18.PursuanttoArticle118of theConstitutionasreadwithSection6(9)ofPublicAppointments (Parliamentary Approval)Act, Cap 7F,the Clerk of the National Assembly placed an advertisementin theprintmedia on Saturday,23rd August2025(Annexure3) inviting the publictosubmitmemorandabywayofwrittenstatementonoath(affidavit)onthesuitabilityor otherwiseof thenomineesonorbeforeMonday,1stSeptember2025by5.00pm.

19. Further, through the same advertisement and pursuant to Article 118 ofthe Constitution, Section 6(4)of thePublic Appointments(Parliamentary Approval)Act,Cap7F and Standing Order 45(3)of theNationalAssemblyStandingOrders,the Clerkof theNational Assemblynotified thegeneralpublic that the approval hearings of thenominees wouldbe conducted on Wednesday, 3rd and Thursday, 4th September 2025 in the Mini-Chamber, County Hall, 1st Floor from 10.30 a.m.

2.5NotificationtotheNominees

  • 20.The Clerk of the National Assembly invited the nominees,through letters dated 21st August 2025 (Annexure 4) in addition to an advertisement in the print media on Saturday, 23rdAugust 2025(Annexure3),for the approvalhearings in accordancewithSection6(3)of thePublic Appointments(ParliamentaryApproval)Act,Cap7F.

2.6ClearanceandComplianceRequirements

  • 21.Further,theClerkoftheNationalAssemblywrotetotheEACC,KRA,DCI,HELBandORPP onFriday,22ndAugust2025(Annexure5)requestingforreportswithrespect tothenominees on ethics and integrity, tax compliance, criminal records, higher education loan repayments and political party affiliations.

22. On ethics and integrity, the EACC through a letter Ref. No.EACC.7/10/5VOL XXXIlI (94) dated Wednesday, 27th August 2025, (Annexure 6) stated that it had not undertaken any investigationspursuant to itsmandate against the nominees,orrecommended theprosecution of any of them.

23. On tax compliance, the KRA, through letters Ref. No. KRA/5/1002/5 (12861), dated 3rd September 2025,and Ref.No.KRA/5/1002/5(12890), dated 9th September 2025,(Annexure 6), confirmed that all nine (9) nominees were tax compliant. 24. On criminal records, the DCI, through a letter Ref. No. DCI/CRO/SEC/6/7/2/A/VOL.XVI/131 dated 28th August, 2025 (Annexure 6), asserted that a forensic fingerprint analysis of six of the nomineeshadbeenconductedinthecriminaldatabaseandfoundthattheyhadnoprevious criminal record.Amb.Joseph Musyoka Masila,Amb.Edwin Afande and Ms.Jayne Toroitich, at the time of writing the letter, had not presented themselves for fingerprint services. However, DCI/CRO/SEC/6/7/2/A/VOL.XVII/141dated2ndSeptember2025. 3. 25.On higher education loan repayment, the HELB, through a letter Ref. No. HELB/RR/112009/V/436 dated 25th August 2025 (Annexure 6),indicated that all nominees were compliant having either cleared their loans or not being beneficiaries. 4. s (Annexure 6) confirmed that all the nominees were not officials of any registered political party.

2.7Issues for Consideration during theApproval Hearings

27. In conducting the approval hearings, the Committee was guided by Section 6(7) and (8) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F which provides that: 2. (7)Anapprovalhearingshallfocusonacandidate'sacademiccredentials,professional trainingandexperience,personalintegrityandbackground. 3. (8)Thecriteriaspecified intheScheduleshall beusedbya Committeeduring anapproval hearingfor thepurposesofvetting a candidate. 4. 28.Additionally,Section7oftheActprovides that theissuesforconsiderationbytherelevant House of Parliamentin relation to any nomination shall be: 5. (a)theprocedureusedtoarriveatthenominee; 6. (b)anyconstitutionalorstatutoryrequirementsrelatingtotheofficeinquestion;and 7. (c)the suitability of the nomineefor the appointment proposedhaving regard to whether the nominee'sabilities,experienceandqualitiesmeettheneedsofthebodytowhichnomination isbeingmade.

(a)ProcedureforNomination

29. Article 132 (2)(e) of the Constitution confers upon the President the power to nominate and, with the approval of the National Assembly, appoint high commissioners, ambassadors and diplomatic and consularrepresentatives. 30. Section 5(1) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F further requires the appointing authority, upon nominating a person for appointment, to notify the relevant House ofParliament. 31. In this regard,pursuant to Article132(2)(e)of the Constitution and Section 5(1) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F, the President notified the National Assemblyof the nominationof nine(9)persons for appointment totheoffices of High Commissioner,Ambassadorand Consul-General.

(b)ConstitutionalandStatutoryRequirements

32. In addition, the Constitution and various statutes guide on appointment of persons to public office.In determining the suitability of the nominees,the Committee wasguided by the provisions discussed hereunder.

33. The provisions on leadership and integrity as outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution. In integrityinclude: 2. (a)selection on the basis of personal integrity,competence and suitability,or election in free and fair elections; 3. (b)objectivity and impartialityin decisionmaking,and in ensuring that decisions arenot influenced bynepotism,favouritism,otherimproper motives or corrupt practices; 4. (c) selfless service based solely on the public interest, demonstrated by - 5. (i)honestyin theexecutionofpublicduties;and 6. (ii)the declaration of anypersonal interest thatmayconflictwith publicduties; 7. (d)accountabilityto thepublicfordecisions andactions;and 8. (e) discipline and commitment in service to the people. 9. 34.Furthermore,Article75of the Constitution requires aState Officer,whetherin public orprivate life tobehavein amanner that avoidsconflictbetweenpersonal interest andpublicofficial duties.It further prohibits a State Officer whohas been dismissed or otherwise removedfrom officefromholdinganyotherStateOffice. 10. 35.RegardingtheactivitiesofStateofficers,Article77oftheConstitutionprohibitsafulltimeState 11. 36.Further, Article 78 of the Constitution disqualifies persons who are not Kenyan citizens from appointment as State officers.Equally,a State officer is barred from holding dual citizenship, save for judges and members of commissions or any person who has been made a citizen of 12. 37.In addition,the Committee consideredSection10oftheLeadership and IntegrityAct,Cap185C whichprovidesthat: 13. A Stateofficershall,to thebestoftheir ability— 14. (a)carryoutthedutiesoftheofficeefficientlyandhonestly; 15. (b)carryoutthedutiesinatransparentandaccountablemanner; 16. (c)keepaccuraterecordsanddocumentsrelatingtothefunctionsoftheoffice;and 17. (d)reporttruthfullyonallmattersoftheorganizationwhichtheyrepresent. 18. 38.Further,Section 20 of theForeign Service Act, Cap185E provides that: 19. (1)TheOfficeofahighcommissioner,ambassador,diplomaticorconsularrepresentativeshall beaStateofficeforpurposes ofArticle260oftheConstitution. 20. (2)PursuanttoArticle132(2)(e)oftheConstitution,thePresidentshallnominateand,subject to the approval of the National Assembly,appoint high commissioners,ambassadors and diplomaticorconsularrepresentatives. 21. (3)Anominationundersubsection(2)shallreflect— 22. (a)afairbalancebetweencareerdiplomatsandotherappointees;and 23. (b)thegender,regional andotherdiversitiesof thepeopleofKenya. 24. (4)Apersonnominated forappointmentundersubsection(2) shall be 25. (a)acitizenofKenya;and 26. (b)ofareputablecharacterandstanding 27. (c)Suitability of the nominees for the proposed appointments having regard to whether the nominees'abilities,experience and qualities meet theneeds of thebody to which the nominationisbeingmade 28. 39.The nominees'suitability tohold the offices they havebeen nominated towas assessed through a scrutiny of their academic credentials,professional training and experience,personal integrity,

background as well as their performance during the approval hearings conducted on Wednesday, 3rd andThursday,4thSeptember2025.

2.8MemorandafromMembersofthePublicinrespectoftheNominees

  • 40.The Clerk of theNational Assembly placed an advertisement in the print media onSaturday, 23rd August 2025(Annexure 3) inviting the public to submit memoranda by way of written statementsonoath(affidavit)onthesuitabilityorotherwiseofthenomineesinconformitywith Section 6(9) of thePublic Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act,Cap 7F.

41. In this regard, by Monday, 1st September 2025 at 5.00 p.m. the Committee had not received the Committeereceived an emailfromKevinWanzala,concurringwith thenominations and urging for regional balance infuture nominations.The email was not a statement on oath contesting the suitability of the nominees as required by section 6(9) of thePublic Appointments (ParliamentaryApproval)Act,Cap.7F.

3.0APPROVALHEARINGS

  • 42.OnWednesday,3rdSeptember2025at 9:30a.m,the Committee held a sitting todeliberate on the approval hearings and noted the following:
  • (i)THAT, it would proceed with the approval hearings as scheduled; and
  • (ii)THAT,it would examine the nominees against the criteria set out inSections6and 7of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval)Act, Cap 7F -academic qualifications; employment record; professional affiliations; potential conflict of interest; knowledge of the relevant subject; overall suitability for the position;integrity;vision and leadership;and expectationsandkeypriorities.

43. The nominees appeared before the Committee on Wednesday, 3rd and Thursday, 4th September 2025. The proceedings of the appearances are recorded hereunder:

3.1Hon.Florence C.Bore-Nominee asHigh Commissioner,Windhoek,Namibia

  • 44.Hon.Florence C.Bore appeared before the Committee on Wednesday,3rd September 2025 and was vettedunder oath pursuant toArticle132(2)(e)ofthe Constitution,thePublicAppointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F,the Foreign Service Act, Cap 185E and the Standing Orders of theNationalAssembly.The Committee noted the following:

3.1.1Questionsfrom theFilledQuestionnaire

Citizenship,DateandPlaceofBirth

45. The nominee is a Kenyan Citizen born in January 1970 in Kericho County and does not hold dualcitizenship.

AcademicandProfessionalQualifications

  • 46.She is a holder of a Bachelor of Education (Arts), Moi University and a Diploma in Education, Kagumo Teachers College. She undertook her^A' Level and Secondary Education at Kipsigis Girls High School. She has attended various short courses.

EmploymentRecordandWorkExperience

  • 47.The nominee has served as the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, Woman Representative KerichoCounty,Executive Board Member at theGeothermal Development Company Ltd. and Education Director at the County Government of Bomet.

HonoursandAwards

  • 48.H.E.thePresident awarded the nominee the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH).

ProfessionalAssociationandMemberships

49. The nominee is a member of the Kenya Red Cross Society.

PublishedWritings

  • 50.Thenomineedidnotindicateanypublications.

PublicOffice,PoliticalActivitiesandAffiliations

  • 51.The nominee hasserved as the CabinetSecretaryin theMinistryof Labour and SocialProtection andWomanRepresentativeforKericho County.Thenomineeindicated thatsheis amember of the UDA party but does not hold any leadership position in the political party.

IncomeandNetworth

  • 52.Thenomineeestimated hernetworthtobeKES302millioncomprisingofproperty,financial investmentsandmovableassets.

PotentialConflictofInterest

53. The nominee declared that she does not have any persons, litigation, financial arrangement, matterorissuethatwouldpresentapotentialconflictofinterestshouldsheassumetheposition of theHigh commissioner toWindhoek,Namibia.The nominee stated that,should a conflict of interestariseduringthedischargeofherduties,shewoulddeclaretheinterestinwritingtothe appointingauthorityinaccordancewiththelaw.

Pro-BonoandCharityWork

54. The nominee has been engaged in community service, support for persons with disabilities and womenempowermentandSMEsupport.

Integrity

  • 55.Thenomineestatedthatshehasneitherbeenchargedinacourtoflawnoradverselymentioned in any investigatory report of Parliament or any Commission of Inquiry in the last threeyears. ThenomineehasneverbeenremovedfromofficeforcontraventionoftheprovisionsofArticle 75oftheConstitution.

3.1.2GeneralandMission-SpecificQuestionstotheNominee

56. To assess the nominee's overall suitability, the Committee posed questions to the nominee on her suitability for appointment as the High Commissioner to Windhoek,Namibia and the nomineerespondedasrecordedhereunder:

OnherGreatestAchievementandImpedimentinServingattheMinistryofLabour

  • 57.The nominee stated that during her tenure as the Cabinet Secretary,Ministry of Labour and SocialProtection,theMinistryestablished a dedicated LabourMigrationDirectoratetonegotiate particularly through benchmarking with successful models such as thePhilippines and India.She highlightedherroleinfacilitating19bilateralagreementswithcountriesintheMiddleEast, includingSaudi Arabia,Kuwait,Oman, and Qatarto securefair treatment and remunerationfor Kenyan workers.
  • 58.Thenominee acknowledged significant challenges inKenya'slabour export system,especially in the regulation of recruitment agencies. To address this, the ministry implemented a clean-up methodologiestosafeguardKenyanworkersabroad.

OntheSocio-EconomicRelationshipbetweenKenyaandNamibia

  • 59.Thenominee statedthat thebilateralrelationshipbetweenKenya andNamibiadatesback to 1964.She cited the Joint Commission of Cooperation(JCC)Agreement,adopted in 2018,which prioritized cooperation in tourism and youth affairs. She stated thatKenya and Namibia have expanded their cooperation into new sectors, including agriculture,health,aviation, and education.The nomineepledgedtostrengthentheseareasof collaborationandensure compliancewiththecommitmentsalreadymade.

OnCulturalOrientationandSocio-EconomicRelationshipbetweenKenyaandNamibia

  • 60.Thenomineereiterated theimportanceofculturalorientationin enhancingbilateralrelations betweenKenyaandNamibia.Sheemphasizedembracingeachcountry'sculturalvalues, fostering mutual respect and effective cooperation. She noted the unifying role of culture and music.She pointed out that trade in cultural goods promotes economic growth and acts as a bridgeforculturalexchangethatwillenablethetwocountriestoshowcaseuniqueproductsthat reflecttheirheritage.

OnLeveragingtheAfricanContinentalFreeTradeArea(AfCFTA)

61. The nominee stated that Kenya can strategically harness the AfCFTA by promoting trade diplomacy and expandingitsmarket-reach acrosstheAfricancontinent.She argued thatKenya's bilateral relationship with Namibia could serve as a gateway to engage with the SADC and Western Africa.She pointed out that Kenya stands to benefit from platforms such as COMESA, which harmonize trade practices and regulations, thereby fostering stronger economic ties across theregion.

OntheNominee'sKnowledgeofKenya'sForeignPolicy

62. The nominee stated that Kenya's foreign policy is anchored on five pillars that is economic, cultural,diaspora,peace and environment diplomacy.She stressed the primacy of economic diplomacy in opening new markets for Kenyan goods and services, while also facilitating work permitsforKenyansabroad.Shenoted theimportanceofdiasporadiplomacy,whichprotects the interests of Kenyans living outside the country. Currently, about 8oo Kenyans living in Namibia face challenges accessing consular services, often traveling to South Africa for assistance. The nominee also proposed to encourage Namibia to establish a mission in Kenya as

OntheKarenPropertyStandoffwithaMemberofParliament

63. The nominee clarified that the issue in Karen was a personal matter,which was amicably resolvedthroughmutualagreement.

OntheNominee'sPoliticalPartyMembership

64. The nominee confirmed that she is a member of the UDA party.However, she emphasized that hermembershipwould not interfere orcompromise her ability to dischargeherduties if approved asHigh CommissionertoNamibia.

3.1.3Committee'sDeterminationontheSuitabilityoftheNominee

65. The Committee, having reviewed the nominee's filled questionnaire, curriculum vitae and oral submission,made the following observations regarding her suitability for appointment as High CommissionertoWindhoek,Namibia:

  • (1) That the nominee holds a Bachelor of Education(Arts)from Moi University and a Diploma inEducationfromKagumoTeachersCollege.
  • (2) That the nominee has the requisite skills in leadership and management, having served the public in variouspositions including,WomanRepresentative for Kericho County and CabinetSecretaryforLabourandSocialProtection.

4. (3)ThatthenomineemeetstherequirementsofChapterSixoftheConstitutiononintegrity, having obtained all the required clearances from EACC, ORPP, KRA, HELB, DCI, and CRB.Further,no adverse submissionswere received against the nominee during the public participation process conducted under Article118 ofthe Constitution andSection6(9)ofthe Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap. 7F. the nominee is therefore suitable to hold public office.

  • (4) That the nominee has neitherbeen charged in a court of law nor adversely mentioned in any investigatoryreport ofParliament or any Commissionof Inquiry and hasneverbeenremoved from officeforcontravention of theprovisions ofArticle75of theConstitution
  • (5) That the nominee demonstrated a strategicvision focused on strengthening Kenya-Namibia diplomatic ties, expanding trade and infrastructure partnerships, enhancing diaspora services, andpromotingKenya'scommercialdiplomacy.

3.2 Amb.Anthony M.Muchiri -Nominee as Ambassador,Ankara,Turkey

  • 66.Amb.Anthony M.Muchiri appeared before the Committee onWednesday,3rdSeptember 2025 and was vetted under oath pursuant to Article 132(2)(e) of the Constitution, the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F,the Foreign Service Act,Cap 185E and the Standing Orders of the National Assembly.The Committee noted thefollowing:

3.2.1 Questions from the Filled Questionnaire

Citizenship,DateandPlaceofBirth

67. The nominee is a Kenyan Citizen born in April 1961 in Nyeri County and does not hold dual citizenship.

AcademicandProfessionalQualifications

  • 68.The nomineeholds a Global ExecutiveMBA fromUnited StatesInternational University (USIU), Nairobi, a Bachelor of Commerce from Nagpur University, India, a Postgraduate DiplomainInternational Relationsfrom theUniversity of Nairobi and aPostgraduateDiploma inDiplomaticStudiesfrom theUniversityof Oxford.

EmploymentRecordandWorkExperience

69. The nominee is currently serving as the Chairperson, Public Service Commission.He has also servedasKenya'sAmbassador toCubawithconcurrentCaribbeanaccreditations,Charge d'Affaires in Havana, Director in the Office of the Principal Secretary at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador to Libya, Deputy Chief of Mission in Egypt, Counsellor at the UN Mission in Geneva, and previouslyheld senior roles across the ForeignMinistry and the Office of the President.

HonoursandAwards

  • 70.Thenomineewasawarded thePresidentialAwardoftheChiefoftheOrderoftheBurningSpear (CBS).

ProfessionalAssociationandMemberships

  • 71.The nominee is thepresident of theAssociation of AfricanPublicService Commissions (AAPSCOMS).

PublishedWritings

72. The nominee published articles in print media during his previous postings as ambassador.

PublicOffice,PoliticalActivitiesandAffiliations

73. The nominee is serving as the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission. He has also served inAmbassadorialrolesindifferentKenyanmissionsabroad.

IncomeandNetworth

  • 74.The nominee estimated his net worth to be Kshs. 86 million from salary, property investment and farming.

PotentialConflictofInterest

75. The nominee declared that he does not have any persons, litigation, financial arrangement, matter orissuethatwouldpresentapotentialconflictofinterestshouldheassumethepositionofthe Ambassador to Ankara,Turkey.The nominee stated that, should a conflict of interest arise during the discharge of his duties, he would declare the interest in writing to the appointing authority in accordancewith thelaw.

Pro-Bono and CharityWork

76. The nominee did not indicate any Pro-Bono, Charity Work or Donation to Charity.

Integrity

77. The nominee stated that he has been mentioned in an investigatory report of Parliament, charged onthesameinacourtoflawand acquitted.Thenomineehasneverbeenremovedfrom office for contravention of the provisions of Article 75 of the Constitution.

3.2.2General andMission-SpecificQuestions totheNominee

78. To assess the nominee's overall suitability, the Committee posed questions on his suitability for appointment as the Ambassador to Ankara, Turkey and he responded as recorded hereunder:

OnPriorVettingforAmbassadorialPostings

  • 79.The nominee submitted that he had previouslybeen appointed toserve asAmbassador of Kenya to Cuba prior to the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. He clarified that this appointment occurred beforeParliament began thevetting of career diplomats,and thus,he was notsubjectedtoparliamentaryvetting.

OnAdverseMentionsinParliamentaryReportsandLegalProceedings

  • 80.Thenominee acknowledged tohavebeen adverselymentionedinareportbytheDepartmental CommitteeonDefenceandForeignRelations,whichrecommendedlegalactionagainsthimin relation to the TokyoEmbassylandprocurementmatter.He submitted that,pursuanttothe Committee's recommendation,he was indeed charged in a court oflaw and was subsequently acquittedforlackofevidence.
  • 81.He clarified thatwhileserving as the thenDirector ofAdministration at theMinistryof Foreign Affairs, he led an evaluation and inspection team dispatched to Tokyo following advice from Ambassador Dennis Awori.Their mandate was to assess a plot offered by the Government of Japan and tocompareit against other available options.Theteamprepared andsubmitted a report recommending the purchase of the current Embassy headquarters and chancery.
  • 82.The nominee stated that the report was endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Treasury,and theprocurement proceeded through established channels.He submitted thatthe CommitteeonDefence andForeignRelationslater found theprocess tohavebeen irregular and recommended necessary action against thoseinvolved.

83. He reiterated that, upon investigations, the matter was prosecuted in court where he, together with two other officers,were acquitted.He maintained that although it was allegedKES 200 million was lost, the court found that there was no sufficient evidence to support the charge. The nomineeacknowledgedthesensitivityoftheTokyoEmbassylandissuebutimploredthe Committeeto consider his suitabilityfor theAnkaraposting,noting that the appointing authority hadconfidenceinhiscapacitytoserve.

OnNetworthDeclaration

84. The nominee declared a net worth of approximately KES 86 million. He stated that his sources of income include salaries and allowances as the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, rental income from three properties, and proceeds from farming. He further submitted that he holds an ancestralfarm in trustforhimself and his siblings and owns the residential property wherehecurrentlyresides.

OnProBonoServiceandCharitableContributions

85. The nominee submitted that he actively supports community initiatives, including the payment ofschool feesforpupils at a local school andcharitablecontributionsto a nearbyorphanage.

OnExitingthePublicServiceCommission

86. On the questions as to why the nominee was not completing his term as Chairperson ofthePublic Service Commission,thenominee asserted thathebelieveshe canrendergreaterserviceto the

nationin the diplomatic arena.Heexpressednoobjection totransitioningfrom the Commission to take up ambassadorial duties.

OnPublicationRecord

  • 87.Thenominee admitted thatdespitehisextensiveservice,includinghistenureinLibyaduringthe national crisis, he has not formally published any academic or policy papers. However, he stated that he has offered numerous comments and insights in the media,and these could be made availableuponrequest.

OnBilateralRelationsbetweenKenya andTurkey

  • 88.The nominee referenced Kenya's historical connection to Turkey, citing the covert operation in which Abdullah Ocalan, leader of the PKK, was captured in Nairobi and extradited to Turkey. He also recalled that the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Alfred Mutua, had previously called upon Kenyans to donate aid to earthquake victims in Turkey, a pledge which remains unfulfilled. The nominee submitted that, upon presentation of his credentials, he intends to offer a formal apology to the Government of Turkey for the undelivered support and will pursue the

OnAgeandOpportunityforYouth

  • 89.On whether, at 64 years of age,he should defer to younger candidates, the nominee submitted that the question of youth empowerment is constantlyinhis mind.However,he opined that the Government is primarily a service provider and not a net employer.He emphasized that the role ofGovernmentistocreateanenablingenvironmentfortheprivatesectortoflourishandgenerate employment.Heclarified that themandatory retirement ageof60years applies topublic officers andnottoStateofficerssuchasambassadors.Heurged theCommitteetoevaluatetheunique skills and global networks he brings to the role, particularly in addressing trade imbalances and enhancingbilateral cooperationwithTurkey.

OnTradeImbalancebetweenKenyaandTurkey

90. The nominee underscored the importance of product diversification and value-addition to

OnManagement and LeadershipApproachinTurkey

91. The nominee submitted that, if approved, he would approach his new posting with diligence, seek to understand the unique issues and dynamics in Turkey,and build a cohesive and resultsdriven team.Heexpressed commitmenttoinstituting clear performance targets,investingin capacity building, and resolving any issues that may arise in the mission.

3.2.3Committee'sDetermination on theSuitability of theNominee

  • 92.The Committee,having reviewed the nominee's filled questionnaire, curriculum vitae and oral submission,made the following observations regarding his suitability for appointment as Ambassador to Ankara, Turkey:
  • (1)ThatthenomineeholdsaGlobal ExecutiveMBAfromUnitedStatesInternational University (USIU),Nairobi,aBachelor of CommercefromNagpurUniversity,India,aPostgraduate DiplomainInternationalRelationsfromtheUniversityofNairobi,aPostgraduateDiploma in Diplomatic Studies from theUniversity of Oxford;
  • (2) That the nominee has the requisite skills in leadership, management, diplomacy and administration having served the public in various positions including serving in various Kenyan missions abroad and as the Chairperson of the PublicService Commission.
  • (3)Thatthenomineewasadverselymentioned intheReportoftheNationalAssembly's DepartmentalCommitteeonDefenceandForeignRelationsontheProcurement,Disposal

BelgiumandPakistanthat recommended that"necessary action"betakenbytherelevant authoritiesagainsthim andothersconsideredkey architects inrelation to thepurchase ofthe Embassyin Tokyo;

  • (4) That the nominee was charged with the offence of abuse of office in procuring the Tokyo Embassywithoutfollowingdueprocess inAnticorruptionCaseNo.2of2013andwas cleared of all the charges,forlack ofevidence,in a ruling dated 30th March 2016;

2. (5)Thatthenomineeobtained all therequiredclearances fromEACC,ORPP,KRA,HELB, DCI, and CRB. Further, no adverse submissions were received against the nominee during 3. (6)ThatthenomineeexhibitedastrategicvisionfocusedonstrengtheningKenya-Turkey diplomatic ties,expanding infrastructure partnerships,enhancing diaspora services, and promotingKenya's commercial diplomacy.His approach aligns withKenya's Vision 2030 andKenya'sForeignPolicyhencemeetsthesuitabilitycriteriaunderSection7ofthePublic Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F;

3.3Amb.LucyKiruthu-NomineeasAmbassador toBangkok,Thailand

  • 93.Amb.Lucy Kiruthu appeared before the Committee on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025 and wasvettedunderoathpursuanttoArticle132(2)(e)oftheConstitution,thePublicAppointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F, the Foreign Service Act, Cap 185E and the Standing Orders of the National Assembly. The Committee noted the following:

3.3.1 Questions from the Filled Questionnaire

Citizenship,Date,andPlaceofBirth

94. The nominee is a Kenyan, born in 1968 in Kirinyaga County and does not hold dual citizenship.

AcademicandProfessionalQualifications

95. The nominee holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from Peking University, China, a Master of Business Administration(Strategic Management) from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor of Education(Arts) from Kenyatta University.She has undertaken high-level training in negotiation,mediation,conflictresolution,environmental diplomacy,strategicleadership,and global governance across prestigious institutions including the ClingendaelInstitute,Korea DevelopmentInstitute, and University of Geneva.

EmploymentRecordandWorkExperience

96. The nominee has served as Acting Director-General, Political and Diplomatic Affairs at the Ministry ofForeign and Diaspora Affairs, Director, Europe and Commonwealth Directorate and DeputyPermanentRepresentative to theUnitedNations in Geneva.

Honoursandawards

97. The nominee has received national recognition, including the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) inDecember2023,and theHeadofStateCommendation(HSC)in2015.

ProfessionalAssociationandMemberships

  • 98.The nominee is a member of Youth Mentorship Forum,Women Mentorship Network and CatholicWomenAssociation.

PublishedWritings

  • 99.Thenomineedidnotindicateanypublications.

PublicOffice,PoliticalActivitiesandAffiliations

  • 100.The nominee has served exclusively in public service through the Ministry of Foreign and DiasporaAffairsand earlierin thePublicServiceReformSecretariat.

IncomeandNetworth

101. The nominee estimated her net worth to be KES 60 million comprising of salary, SACCO dividendsandpropertyinvestments.

PotentialConflictofInterest

102. The nominee declared that she does not have any persons, litigation, financial arrangements, or matters thatwould present a potential conflict of interest should she assume theposition of Ambassador to Bangkok,Thailand.She confirmed that in the event of a conflict,she would declare the interest in writing to the appointing authority in accordance with the law.

Pro-Bono,CharityWorkorDonationtoCharity

  • 103.The nominee has engaged in supporting needy children and church projects.

Integrity

104. The nominee stated that she has never been charged in a court of law, nor has she been adversely mentioned in anyinvestigatory report of Parliament or any Commission of Inquiry in thelast threeyears.ShehasnotbeenremovedfromofficeforcontraventionofArticle75ofthe Constitution.

3.3.2 General and Mission-Specific Questions to theNominee

  • 105.To assess the nominee's overall suitability,the Committee posed questions on her suitabilityfor appointment as the Ambassador to Bangkok, Thailand and she responded as recorded hereunder:

OnContributionstoKenya'sForeignPolicy

  • 106.Thenominee submitted that she hasserved the countryforover30years and,in that time,made various contributions,themost notablebeingherleadershipin thereviewofKenya'sForeign Policy,2014,whichculminatedinSessionalPaperNo.1of2025ontheForeignPolicyofthe Republic ofKenya.

OntheStrategicImportanceofThailand

  • 107.ThenomineedescribedThailandasanewAsiantigerwithvastopportunitiesthatKenyacan harness.She pledged to deepen the political,economic,and cultural ties between the two countries,safeguard theinterests of Kenyansresidingin Thailand and the ASEAN region,and advanceKenya'snationalinterests,values,andprinciples.

OnTradeImbalancesandEconomicDiplomacy

  • 108.ThenomineeobservedthattradebetweenKenyaandThailandcurrentlyfavoursThailand.She emphasizedthatdiplomaticmissionsmustserveaseconomicacceleratorsandcommittedto advancingKenya'seconomic diplomacy agenda,inline with theBottom-UpEconomic TransformationAgenda(BETA).
  • 109.Shesubmitted thatshewouldworkcloselywithorganizationsliketheKenyaPrivateSector Alliance (KEPSA) to expand market access for Kenyan exports like coffee and tea.She also expressedherintentiontodiversifytheagriculturalexportbaskettoincludeunderrepresented products,encourage value additiontomakeKenyan goodsmore competitive abroad,and collaborate with relevant agencies toincrease foreign direct investment (FDI).
  • 110.Further,she noted the potential to use Thailand as a gateway to the ASEAN region,both to export Kenyan goods and to attract firms from the region to invest in Kenya. She outlined a plan to explore joint ventures, industrial parks, and special economic zones to stimulate investment flowsfromThailand andASEANintoKenya.

OntheDiasporaandNationalDevelopment

  • 111.Thenominee submitted that the Kenyan diaspora forms a vital constituency in national development. She noted that approximately 2,650 Kenyans reside in Thailand and underscored that diaspora communities are natural ambassadors whoknow their host environments better thanmissionsandcan thereforemarketKenyaeffectively.Shepledged toorganizeregular meetingswithKenyansinThailand toengage theminpromotingnational andregionalinterests.

On the70/30RatiobetweenCareerDiplomats andPoliticalAppointees

112. The nominee stated that the Foreign Service Act, Cap. 185E, prescribes a fair balance between career diplomats andpolitical appointees.Sheobserved that career diplomatshadlongbeen disadvantaged,whichled to the insertion ofthe 70/30 guideline inSessional Paper No.1 of2025. However, she clarified that appointments remain the prerogative of thePresident and that the 70/30 ratio serves only as guidance, not a binding requirement.

OnHumanTraffickingandtheWelfareofDiasporaWorkers

113. Addressing the plight of Kenyans trafficked under the guise of employment opportunities, particularly those who end up in Myanmar,the nominee submitted that human trafficking presentsalegal,moral,andhumanitarianchallenge.Shestressedthatthesolutionbeginsatthe source, within Kenya, through the Ministries of Labour, Interior and National Administration, theDCI,and the ODPP. 114. She recommended stronger awareness campaigns, including the involvement of chiefs at the grassroots,towarnKenyansagainstfictitiousjobopportunities.Sheunderscored theneedto track and regulate rogue recruitment agencies, monitor fraudulent websites advertising fake jobs, andworkwithinternationalorganizationsand theGovernmentofThailandtorescuevictimsof trafficking.Shefurther proposed thatKenya pursue prosecution of recruiters while ensuring psychosocial support and reintegration of victims, including securing alternative employment opportunitiesforthem.

OnInter-MinisterialandMultilateralCoordination

115. The nominee informed the Committee that an inter-ministerial team already exists, comprising the Ministry of Labour, the State Department of Diaspora Affairs,the DCI, and the ODPP,to address human trafficking.She emphasized that recruiters operate acrossKenya,Thailand,and Myanmar, necessitating a multilateral response. She noted that Kenya and Thailand are both membersoftheHumanRightsCouncil andcouldleveragethisplatform todevelopcoordinated solutions.Furthermore,sheunderscored theneed tocollaboratewith the Central Bank ofKenya, the Financial Reporting Centre,and telecommunications companies likeSafaricom and Airtel to trackfinancial flows andcutofffundingsourcesfor traffickers.

OnTourismCooperation

  • 116.The nominee observed that Thailand's tourismsector is highly developed,having attracted 36 milliontouristsin2024compared toKenya's2.6million.Shestated thatKenyamustdomore toposition itself as Africa's safari capital and attract Thai tourists.Sheproposed collaboration between the two countriestochannel Thai tourists toKenya andrecommendedleveragingKenya AirwaystomarketKenya'ssafari,eco-tourism,andculturalpackages across theASEANregion. She further pledged to introduce cultural weeks in Thailand to spark curiosity about Kenya and promotetouristflows.

3.3.3Committee'sDeterminationontheSuitabilityoftheNominee

117. The Committee, having reviewed the nominee's completed questionnaire, curriculum vitae and oralsubmission,madethefollowingobservationsregardinghersuitabilityforappointment as Ambassador toBangkok,Thailand:

  • (1) ThenomineeholdsaMaster ofArtsinInternationalRelationsfromPekingUniversity, China,a Master of Business Administration (Strategic Management) from the University of Nairobi,and a Bachelor of Education (Arts) from Kenyatta University.Further, the nominee has undertaken various professional trainings relevant to diplomacy and international relations.

2. (2)That the nomineehas the requisite skills in leadership,management,diplomacy and administration having served the public in various positions including serving in various Kenyan missions.

  • (3) That the nominee meets the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on integrity, having obtained all the required clearances from EACC, ORPP, KRA, HELB, DCI, and CRB.Further,no adverse submissions were received against the nominee during thepublic Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap. 7F. The nominee is therefore suitable to hold public office.

4. (4)That the nomineehas neither beencharged in a court oflawnor adverselymentionedin any investigatory report of Parliament or any Commission of Inquiry and has never been removed from office for contravention of the provisions of Article 75 of the Constitution. 5. (5)That thenominee demonstrated a strategic vision focused on strengtheningKenyaThailand diplomatic ties, expanding trade and infrastructure partnerships, enhancing diaspora services,and promoting Kenya's commercial diplomacy. The Nominee's vision (BETA), andKenya's ForeignPolicy objectives,hence meets the suitability criteria under

3.4 Mr. Henry Wambuma- Nominee as Ambassador, Bujumbura, Burundi

118. Mr. Henry Wambuma appeared before the Committee on Wednesday 3rd September 2025 and was vetted under oath pursuant toArticle132(2)(e) ofthe Constitution, thePublic Appointments Orders of the National Assembly. The Committee noted the following:

3.4.1QuestionsfromtheFilledQuestionnaire

Citizenship,Date,andPlaceofBirth

119. The nominee is a Kenyan Citizen born in 1965 in Siaya County and does not hold dual citizenship.

AcademicandProfessionalQualifications

  • 120.ThenomineeisaholderofaMasterofArtsinStrategicandSecurityStudies(Universityof Nairobi),a Master ofArtsinInternationalConflictManagement(UniversityofNairobi),a Bachelor ofArts inPolitical Science and Communication (University of Nairobi),and a Diploma in Armed Conflicts in Africa (University of Nairobi).

EmploymentRecordandWorkExperience

121. The nominee is currently serving as the Acting Chief of protocol at the Ministry of Foreign and DiasporaAffairs.Hehasservedin differentcapacitiesintheMinistryincludingDeputyDirector, Asia and thePacificDirectorate,HeadofDiplomaticSecurityUnit andDeputyA of Diplomatic Security.

HonoursandAwards

122. The nominee indicated that he had not received any honour or award.

ProfessionalAssociationandMemberships

  • 123.The nominee is not a member of any Professional association.

PublishedWritings

  • 124.The nominee did not indicate any published articles.

PublicOffice,PoliticalActivitiesandAffiliations

  • 125.The nomineeindicated thathehadnot held anypublic office anddid not have anypolitical affiliations.

IncomeandNetworth

  • 126.The nominee estimated hisnet worth tobeKES 35 million comprising of Sacco dividends, propertyinvestments and savings.

PotentialConflictofInterest

  • 127.Thenominee declared that he does not have anypersons,litigation,financialarrangement,matter orissue that would present a potential conflict of interest should he assume theposition of Ambassador to Bujumbura,Burundi.The nominee stated that,should a conflict of interest arise during the discharge of his duties,hewould declare theinterest in writing to the appointing authorityinaccordancewiththelaw.

Pro-BonoandCharityWork

  • 128.The nominee has engaged in volunteerworkfor the Anglican Church.

Integrity

  • 129.The nomineestated that hehasneither been charged inacourt of lawnor adversely mentioned inanyinvestigatoryreportofParliamentoranyCommissionofInquiryinthelastthreeyears. ThenomineehasneverbeenremovedfromofficeforcontraventionoftheprovisionsofArticle 75of the Constitution.

3.4.2 General and Mission-Specific Questions to theNominee

130. To assess the nominee's overall suitability, the Committee posed questions on his suitability for appointment as the AmbassadorBujumbura,Burundi and heresponded asrecorded hereunder:

OntheNominee'sRoleandResponsibilitiesasAmbassador toBurundi

  • image internationally.Heemphasizedhiscommitment toadvancingKenya'stradeand investment interests,bothinBurundi and regionally.The nominee noted thatBurundi presents closely with the Government of Burundi and other organizations present in the country, particularly theInternational Conference on the Great Lakes Region,to create opportunities for Kenyan employment and engagement.

On ChangesinKenya'sForeignPolicyApproachinEastAfrica

  • 132.The nominee observed thatKenya has recentlyimproved its bilateralengagement approach, particularly with Burundi and the broader region.He noted significant policy changesregarding theKenyandiaspora,highlighting the establishmentof anindependent state department for diaspora affairs. The nominee stated this represents increased focus on helping Kenyans abroad

with investment opportunities, job placement, education, and other opportunities. He expressed confidence that if appointed, he would increase engagement vibrancy with the Government of Burundi.

OntheNominee'sProfessionalBackgroundandJobTitles

  • 133.Thenomineeexplained thathe joinedthe Office of thePresidentasa junior officer in communications and analytics. He clarified that due to his junior status for many years, he did not attain significant titles during that period. He later became a communications analyst before moving totheMinistryofForeignAffairsasFirstSecretary.Thenominee acknowledged spendingconsiderable timein communicationswork at a junior levelbefore advancing tohis current position as Chief ofProtocol.

OnBurundi'sPreferenceofDar es SalaamPortoverMombasaPort

  • 134.The nominee attributed Burundi's move touseDar es Salaamport instead of Mombasa,to high transportation costs from Mombasa toBurundi.The nominee expressed optimism about allocationofspaceforaninlandcontainerdepotinNaivashaand theexistingPermanentJoint Commissionfor Cooperationbetweenthetwocountries.

OnIntegrityandEthicalStandardsinPublicService

135. The nominee stated that he had no disciplinary issues in his service record. He demonstrated understanding of integrity requirements in public offices, mentioning issues such as sexual harassment,conflict of interest,and nepotism.Thenominee stated that noreports exist mentioninghimin connection with anyintegrityviolations throughout his entireservice career.

OnKenya'sRegional LeadershipRole

  • 136.Thenominee statedthatKenya hasnotfailed as a regional leader,pointing toitsvisible involvementinconflictresolutionthroughouttheregion.ThenomineecitedKenya's participationandfundingleadershipintheInternational Conference onthe GreatLakesRegion, notingKenya contributed the most funding while other participants fell short. He emphasized Kenya's active engagement in peace initiatives in Somalia, Burundi, and DRC, stating that

OnExternalActorsandKenya'sDiplomaticPosition

  • 137.The nominee noted the presence of China,Russia, the EU, and the US in Burundi as supporters of the Government of Burundi.He acknowledgedpotential conflictsbetween these actorsbut emphasized Kenya's policy of nonalignment.The nominee stated Kenya works with countries tomanagerelationshipswithdifferent external actorssimultaneously.

3.4.3Committee'sDeterminationontheSuitabilityoftheNominee

  • 138.The Committee,having reviewed the nominee's completed questionnaire, curriculum vitae and oral submission, made the following observations regarding his suitability for appointment as AmbassadortoBujumbura,Burundi:
  • (1)ThatthenomineeholdsaMasterofArtsinStrategicandSecurityStudies,aMasterofArts in International Conflict Management, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication, and a Diploma in Armed Conflicts in Africa, all from the University of Nairobi.
  • (2) That the nominee has served as the Acting Chief of Protocol, Deputy Director of Asia and the Pacific Directorate,Head of Diplomatic Security Unit, and Deputy of Diplomatic Security, all at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. Thereby demonstrating knowledge and experience in international diplomacy and security.
  • (3) That the nominee meets the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on integrity, having obtained all the required clearances from EACC, ORPP, KRA, HELB, DCI, and CRB. Further,no adverse submissions were received against the nominee during the public participation process conducted under Article 118 of the Constitution and Section 6(9) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap. 7F. The nominee is therefore suitabletoholdpublicoffice.

2. (4)Thatthenomineehasneitherbeenchargedinacourtoflawnor adverselymentionedinany investigatory report of Parliament or any Commission of Inquiry andhas never beenremoved from officefor contravention of theprovisions of Article75 of the Constitution. 3. (5)That thenomineedemonstrated anunderstandingof thestrategicpositionandimportance of Burundi in the East African Community, particularly with regard to regional peace and securityanddiasporawelfare,hencemeetsthesuitabilitycriteriaunderSection7of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F;

3.5Mr.AbdirashidSalatAbdille-NomineeasAmbassador,Jakarta,Indonesia

  • 139.Mr.AbdirashidSalatAbdilleappearedbeforetheCommitteeonWednesday3rdSeptember 2025and was vetted under oath pursuant toArticle 132(2)(e)of the Constitution,thePublic Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act,Cap 7F,the Foreign Service Act,Cap 185E and the Standing Orders of the National Assembly. The Committee noted the following:

3.5.1QuestionsfromtheFilledQuestionnaire

Citizenship,Date,andPlace ofBirth

140. The nominee is a Kenyan Citizen borm in January 1961 in Wajir County and does not hold dual citizenship.

AcademicandProfessionalQualifications

  • 141.The nominee is a holder of aBachelor of ArtsinPublicAdministration andPolitical Science from the University of Nairobi, a Diploma in International Studies from the University of Nairobi,aDiplomainInternational LabourStandardsfromtheInternational TrainingCentreof the ILOin Turin,Italy,and a Certificate in Management Principles and Practicesfrom theKenya InstituteofAdministrationand aDiplomainSalesManagement.

EmploymentRecordandWorkExperience

  • 142.The nominee currently serves as anAdvisor to the County Government of Wajir on Labour Relations.He has chaired the Joint Industrial Council at the Kenya Ports Authority/Dock Workers Union,served as a member of theMutuini District Hospital ManagementBoard and chaired the Tailoring and Garment Manufacturing Trades Wages Council. He has also served as Technical Advisor to theMinistry of Labour andHumanResourceDevelopmentinSomalia and Liaison Officer for Somalia's Ministry of Labour to international agencies.He has also served as aPersonnel Clerkin theProvincial Administration andInternal Security inWajir.

HonoursandAwards

  • 143.The nominee stated hehad not received any honour or award.

ProfessionalAssociationandMemberships

144. The nominee is not a member of any Professional association.

PublishedWritings

  • 145.Thenomineedidnotindicate anypublishedarticles.

PublicOffice,PoliticalActivitiesandAffiliations

  • 146.The nominee has served in public service both county and national levels.He did not indicate anypoliticalactivitiesoraffiliations.

IncomeandNetworth

  • 147.Thenomineeestimated his networth tobeKshs.35million comprisingofpropertyinvestments and farming.

PotentialConflictofInterest

  • 148.Thenomineedeclared thathedoesnothave anypersons,litigation,financialarrangement,matter or issue thatwouldpresenta potential conflict of interest should he assume the position of AmbassadortoJakarta,Indonesia.Thenominee stated that,should a conflictofinterest arise duringthe discharge of hisduties,hewoulddeclare theinterest inwriting tothe appointing authorityinaccordancewiththelaw.

Pro-BonoandCharityWork

149. The nominee has engaged in charity supporting medical bills and building of mosques.

Integrity

  • 150.Thenomineestated thathehasneitherbeenchargedinacourtoflawnor adverselymentioned in any investigatory report of Parliament or any Commission of Inquiry in the last three years. ThenomineehasneverbeenremovedfromofficeforcontraventionoftheprovisionsofArticle 75oftheConstitution.

3.5.2GeneralandMission-SpecificQuestionstotheNominee

151. To assess the nominee's overall suitability, the Committee posed questions on his suitability for appointment as the Ambassador Jakarta, Indonesia and he responded as recorded hereunder:

OntheNominee'sUnderstandingofKenya'sKeyForeignPolicyPriorities

152. The nominee identified Kenya's three primary foreign policy areas as science, technology and innovation; environmental and climate change; and security. He noted his priorities will align with thegovernment's strategicfocus areas that would informhisdiplomaticworkinIndonesia andthebroaderAsianregion.

OnPotential Conflict ofInterest ArisingFromhisPreviousRoleas Consultant

  • 153.When questioned about possible conflicts of interestgiven hisbackground as a consultant for the Somali government while also having worked for the Kenyan government, the nominee categorically dismissed any concerns.He emphasized his patriotic commitment toKenya,stating that his loyalty lies unequivocally withKenya.The nominee assured the Committee that there wouldbenoconflictofinterestinhisserviceasAmbassadortoIndonesia,demonstratingclear understandingofhisprimaryallegiancetoKenyaninterests.

OpeningAsianMarkettoKenya'sKhatExports

154. Regarding strategies to access Asian markets for khat following bans in European markets, the nomineeacknowledgedtheneedtofirstverifythelegalstatusofkhatinIndonesia.Henoted thathewouldneed toconfirmwhetherkhatconsumption and trade arepermissibleunder Indonesian law.However,the nominee committed to promoting trade betweenKenya andAsian markets in a broader sense, indicating his willingness to explore various trade opportunities beyond specific commodities while respecting local regulations.

OnPersonalSkillsandExperienceRelevanttoDiplomaticService

155. The nominee highlighted his background as a labour negotiator as particularly relevant to his diplomatic assignment.Heexplained that his experience inlabournegotiationshas equipped him withvaluable diplomatic skills,noting that diplomacy involves interaction and relationship building.The nominee expressed confidence that these interpersonal and negotiation skills would facilitate effective engagement between governments and institutions, thereby assisting him in successfully executing his new diplomatic assignment in Jakarta.

3.5.3Committee'sDeterminationontheSuitabilityoftheNominee

  • 156.The Committee,havingreviewed the nominee's completed questionnaire,curriculum vitae and AmbassadortoJakarta,Indonesia:
  • (1)Thatthenomineeholds aBachelorofArtsinPublicAdministration and PoliticalScience,a Diploma in International Studies,a Diploma in International Labour Standards,and a Certificate in Management Principles and Practices. He further holds qualifications in international labour standards, diplomacy, and management, relevant to diplomacy and internationalrelations.
  • (2) That the nominee is theAdvisor to the County Governmentof Wajir on LabourRelations, and has served as the Chairperson of theKenya Ports Authority/Dock Workers Union, Member of the Mutuini District Hospital Management Board, Member of the Tailoring and GarmentManufacturingTradesWagesCouncil,TechnicalAdvisortotheMinistryofLabour and Human Resource Development in Somalia,Liaison Officer for Somalia's Ministry of Labour to international agencies, and Personnel Clerk in the Provincial Administration and Internal Security inWajir.
  • (3)That thenomineemeetstherequirementsof ChapterSixoftheConstitutiononintegrity, having obtained all the required clearances from EACC, ORPP, KRA, HELB, DCI, and CRB. Further,noadversesubmissionswerereceivedagainst thenomineeduringthepublic participationprocess conducted underArticle118ofthe Constitution and Section6(9)of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap. 7F. The nominee is therefore suitabletoholdpublicoffice.
  • (4)That the nominee has neitherbeen charged in a court of lawnor adversely mentioned in any investigatory report ofParliament or any Commission of Inquiry and has neverbeen removed from office for contravention of the provisions of Article 75 of the Constitution.
  • (5) That the nominee demonstrated in-depth understanding of Indonesia as a leader in the Cap 7F.

3.6Amb.JosephMusyokaMasila-NomineeasAmbassador,Riyadh,SaudiArabia

  • 157.Amb. Joseph Musyoka Masila appeared before the Committee on Thursday 4th September 2025 and was vetted under oath pursuant to Article 132(2)(e)of the Constitution,the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act,Cap 7F,the Foreign Service Act,Cap 185E and theStanding Orders of theNationalAssembly.The Committee noted the following:

3.6.1QuestionsfromtheFilledQuestionnaire

Citizenship,Date,andPlaceofBirth

158. The nominee is a Kenyan Citizen born in 1971 and does not hold dual citizenship.

AcademicandProfessionalQualifications

  • 159.The nomineeholdsa Master of Business Administration(MBA)from theUniversity of Bradford,aBachelorof ArtsinEconomicsfrom theUniversity of Nairobi,StrategicLeadership Development at theKenyaInstitute ofAdministration,StrategicManagement studies at George Washington University, Public Policy Analysis and Strategic Implementation, and Public Sector FinancialManagement.

EmploymentRecordandWorkExperience

  • 160.ThenomineeistheDeputyDirectorGeneral,MiddleEastDirectorateintheMinistryofForeign andDiasporaAffairs.HehasservedasDirectoroftheEconomicAffairsandCommercial Diplomacy Directorate, Director of the Central Planning and Project Monitoring Division, Director of the UN, Multilateral Affairs and Candidatures Directorate, and Minister at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations in NewYork.

HonoursandAwards

161. The nominee did not indicate any honours awarded.

ProfessionalAssociationandMemberships

  • 162.Thenomineeis not a memberofanyProfessional association.

PublishedWritings

  • 163.The nominee did not indicate any published articles.

PublicOffice,PoliticalActivitiesandAffiliations

  • 164.Thenomineehas served in theMinistry of ForeignAffairsand theMinistry of Planning in various seniorpositions.He did notindicate anypolitical activities or affiliations.

IncomeandNetWorth

  • 165.ThenomineeestimatedhernetworthtobeKES137millioncomprisingofsalary,Sacco dividendsandrentalincome.

PotentialConflictofInterest

  • 166.The nominee declared that he doesnot have anypersons,litigation,financial arrangement,matter or issue that would present a potential conflict of interest should he assume the position of Ambassador toJakarta,Indonesia.The nominee stated that,should a conflict of interest arise during thedischarge of his duties,hewould declare theinterestinwritingto the appointing authorityinaccordancewiththelaw.

Pro-BonoandCharityWork

  • 167.The nominee did not indicate any charity work or donation to charity.

Integrity

  • 168.Thenomineestated thathehasneitherbeenchargedinacourtoflawnoradverselymentioned in anyinvestigatoryreportof Parliament or any CommissionofInquiryin thelast threeyears. ThenomineehasneverbeenremovedfromofficeforcontraventionoftheprovisionsofArticle 75 of the Constitution.

3.6.2 General andMission-SpecificQuestionsto theNominee

169. To assess the nominee's overall suitability, the Committee posed questions on his suitability for appointmentastheAmbassadortoRiyadh,SaudiArabiaandherespondedasrecorded hereunder:

On Cultural Adaptation andDiplomacy

  • 170.The nominee acknowledged that Saudi Arabia has a distinct cultural orientation,being a predominantlyMuslimsocietyshapedbycollectivistvalues,whileheprofessesa Christian background rooted in individualism.He submitted,however,that his academic training in sociology equips him with the ability tounderstand,appreciate,and accommodate diverse cultures. He affirmed that he would employ cultural diplomacy as a tool to navigate differences and advanceKenya's diplomatic agenda inRiyadh.He emphasized that adaptation to local practices,includingculturalorientationandworkinghours,wouldbecentraltohisapproach.

OnLabourMigrationandWelfareofKenyanMigrants

171. Addressing the recurring reports of deaths among Kenyan migrant workers in the Middle East, thenomineesubmittedthattheexistingBilateral LabourAgreementbetweenKenyaandSaudi Arabiahaslackedadequate safeguardsfor thewelfare ofworkers.He noted that a revised Agreement was finalized in 2023 but remains unsigned. He assured the Committee that he would prioritize the signing of this Agreement, which incorporates stronger protections such as prohibiting employers from withholding workers'passports,enhancing awareness creation, and increasingrepresentationofmigrantworkers.HeaddedthattheAgreementoutlinesthe responsibilities of recruitment agencies and employers, aligning with Saudi Arabia's own regulatoryframeworkforrecruitmentagencies. 2. 172.The nominee pledged to work with Kenyan institutions,including TVETs,to prepare workers for what to expect in SaudiArabia,and to ensure employment contracts are available inEnglish, Swahili, and Arabic for better understanding. He committed to establishing a tripartite framework between theEmbassy,recruitment agencies,and the governments of both countries toprotectmigrantworkers.Hepledgedtoenhancetheresponsetimetodistresscases,implement elaborate outreach programmes with the host government to address breaches of contract, and ensurethewelfareofKenyansinSaudiprisonsisproperly addressed. 3. 173.Healsoindicated thathewouldlobbyfortheMinistryofLabourtobeadequatelyresourced, including deploying a second labour attache to Riyadh. Additionally, he recommended assigning alegal representative to the mission toprovide expertise in labour and distress cases.He underscored that his overall priority would be the protection, engagement, and empowerment of Kenyans in Saudi Arabia to maximize diaspora remittances. On skilled labour migration, he submittedthatKenyahasalreadysharedadraftBilateral LabourAgreementforSkilled Labour withSaudiauthoritiesandpledgedtoprioritizeitsconsideration andconclusion.

OnTradeImbalancebetweenKenyaandSaudiArabia

174. The nominee observed that Kenya imports goods and services worth over USD 1 billion from Saudi Arabia,primarily petroleum products,while exportinggoods valued atonlyUSD 148 million, mostly agricultural products.He acknowledged the resulting trade deficit and committed tousingtheKenya-SaudiArabiaJointBusinessCouncilasaplatformtoconnectexportersand importersfrombothcountries.Hestated thathewouldpursuediversificationofKenya'sexports, focusing on specific value chains,while also creating awareness andvisibility of Kenyan productsinSaudimarkets.HehighlightedSaudiArabia'sVision2030,whichemphasizes emergingsectors such as the digital economy and green energy,as areas whereKenyan private sectorplayerscanactivelyengagetoexpandexports.

OnSetbacksandLessonsinForeignService

  • 175.Reflecting on his 25 years of service, the nominee acknowledged experiencing setbacks, overcamesuchchallengesbyfosteringteamwork.HerecountedanotableinstanceattheUnited Nations,wherehisteamsoughttoestablish aGlobalServiceCentreinNairobibutdid not succeed.Hestated that this experience inspired him topersevere andface subsequent challenges withresilience.

OnParallelsbetweenKenya'sVision2030andSaudiArabia'sVision2030

  • 176.The nominee noted similarities between the two strategic plans.He stated that both prioritize ICT as a key development pillar. He further highlighted agriculture as a shared priority, with Saudi Arabia seeking to diversify its economybeyond oil,whileKenya equally emphasizes agricultureasanengineofgrowth.Headded thatbothvisionsprioritizehousing,pointingout that Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the World Cup, while Kenya is implementing the AffordableHousingProgramme.

OnProBonoandSocialSupport

  • 177.When questioned on his lack of probonoactivities, the nominee clarified that he had misunderstood the questionnaire, believing it sought information on ongoing activities only. He submitted that he has previously supported socialgatherings and pledged to assist distressed Kenyansif approvedby the Committee and appointed to theRiyadhmission.

OnSupportingKenyanPilgrimsforHaj

  • 178.The nominee committed to working with the Consul-General in Jeddah to ensure effective processingbySaudi authorities.

OnAbsorptionofGrantsandDevelopmentCooperation

  • 179.Addressingtheissueofgrantsfrom theMiddleEast,thenomineesubmitted thathewouldfocus onproject monitoring andevaluationtoresolveimplementationchallenges thathinder absorption. He stated that he has expertise in project implementation and would work closely with government agencies to unlock new projects and attract increased funding from Middle Eastern partners.

OnBureaucraciesinSigningMemoranda ofUnderstanding(MoUs)

  • 180.Thenominee acknowledged thatbureaucratic delays often hinder the timely signing ofMoUsin Kenya.He pledged to engage the Office of the Attorney General and the relevant ministries to fast-track the process and ensure pendingMoUs are concluded expeditiously.

3.6.3Committee'sDeterminationontheSuitabilityoftheNominee

181. The Committee, having reviewed the nominee's completed questionnaire, curriculum vitae and oral submission,made thefollowing observationsregardinghis suitabilityfor appointment as AmbassadortoRiyadh,SaudiArabia: 2. (1)ThatnomineeholdsaMasterof BusinessAdministration,aBachelorof ArtsinEconomics, Strategic LeadershipDevelopment,Strategic Management Studies,PublicPolicy Analysis andStrategicImplementation,andPublicSectorFinancialManagement.

  • (2) That the nominee is theDeputy Director General, MiddleEast Directorate in the Ministry of Foreign andDiasporaAffairs,andhaspreviouslyservedasDirectoroftheEconomicAffairs and Commercial Diplomacy Directorate, Director of the Central Planning and Project Monitoring Division, Director of the UN, Multilateral Affairs and Candidatures Directorate, andMinisteratthePermanentMissionoftheRepublicofKenyatotheUnitedNationsin NewYork.

4. (3)Thatthenomineemeetstherequirementsof ChapterSixof theConstitutiononintegrity, having obtained all the required clearances from EACC, ORPP, KRA,HELB, DCI, and CRB. Further,no adverse submissions were received against the nominee during the public Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap. 7F. The nominee is therefore suitabletoholdpublic office.

  • (4)Thatthenomineehasneitherbeenchargedinacourtoflawnor adverselymentionedinany investigatory report of Parliament or any Commission of Inquiry andhas neverbeen removed from officefor contravention of theprovisions ofArticle75of theConstitution.
  • (5)Thatthenomineedemonstratedin-depthunderstandingoflabourmobility,diasporawelfare of theKenyan diaspora in theMiddle East, and the significance of SaudiArabia in the Gulf as hub of Islamic religion and a regional hegemon. The nominee therefore meets the suitability criteria underSection7of thePublicAppointments(ParliamentaryApproval) Act,Cap 7F;

3.7Amb.EdwinAfande-Nominee asAmbassador,Vienna,Austria

  • 182.Amb. Edwin Afande appeared before the Committee on Thursday 4th September 2025 and was vetted under oath pursuant toArticle132(2) (e)of the Constitution,thePublicAppointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F, the Foreign Service Act, Cap 185E and the Standing Orders of theNational Assembly.The Committeenoted thefollowing:

3.7.1QuestionsfromtheFilledQuestionnaire

Citizenship,Date,andPlaceofBirth

  • 183.The nominee born in1966is a Kenyan Citizen born in London,United Kingdom and does not hold dual citizenship.

AcademicandProfessionalQualifications

  • 184.ThenomineeholdsaMaster ofArtsinDiplomaticStudiesfromtheUniversityof Leicesterin the UK, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Howard University inWashington, D.C. USA, a postgraduate in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies at the University of Nairobi, and variousprofessional trainingprograms.

EmploymentRecordandWorkExperience

185. The nominee is the Ambassador and Deputy High Commissioner at the Kenya High Commission in London,UK.He has served as Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission at the Kenya Embassy in Beijing, China, Director of Bilateral and Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi, Director in the Office of the Chief Administrative Secretary at the Ministry, Ccunsellor and Head of Chancery at the Kenya High Commission in Ottawa, Canada,Assistant Directorin theMinistry of ForeignAffairs andInternational Trade,First Secretary at theKenya High Commission in Lusaka, Zambia, Senior Foreign Service Officer in Nairobi and Second Secretary at the Kenya High Commission in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

HonoursandAwards

186. The nominee was awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) by H.E. the President in 2024.

ProfessionalAssociationandMemberships

187. The nominee is not a member of any Professional association.

PublishedWritings

  • 188.The nominee did not indicate anypublished articles.

PublicOffice,PoliticalActivitiesandAffiliations

189. The nominee has served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in various senior positions.He did notindicate anypolitical activities or affiliations.

IncomeandNetworth

  • 190.ThenomineeestimatedhernetworthtobeKES125millioncomprisingofsalaryandSacco dividends.

PotentialConflictofInterest

191. The nominee declared that he does not have any persons, litigation, financial arrangement, matter orissuethatwouldpresentapotentialconflictofinterestshouldheassumethepositionof AmbassadortoAustria.Thenomineestatedthatshouldaconflictofinterestariseduringthe discharge of his duties, he would declare the interest in writing to the appointing authority in accordancewith thelaw.

Pro-BonoandCharityWork

  • 192.Thenomineehasengagedinsupport tochurchthroughdonations.

Integrity

  • 193.Thenomineestatedthathehasneitherbeenchargedinacourtoflawnoradverselymentioned inanyinvestigatoryreportofParliamentoranyCommissionofInquiryinthelastthreeyears. ThenomineehasneverbeenremovedfromofficeforcontraventionoftheprovisionsofArticle 75 ofthe Constitution.

3.7.2GeneralandMission-SpecificQuestionstotheNominee

194. To assess the nominee's overall suitability, the Committee posed questions on his suitability for appointment as the Ambassador toVienna, Austria and he responded as recorded hereunder:

OnNominee'sPrioritiesifApproved asAmbassador toAustria

195. The nominee \_outlined economic cooperation, clean energy partnerships, and tourism development. The nominee noted that Kenya and Austria can establish mutually beneficial relationships and that he would advance Kenya's strategic interests in the European market.

OnJobCompatibilityChallengesforKenyansSeekingOpportunitiesinAustria

  • 196.The nominee committed to negotiate more skilled opportunities for Kenyans.He proposed promoting skill sharing andlearning initiatives,withparticular focus onyoungKenyans in TechnicalandVocationalEducationandTraining(TVET)institutions.

OnChallengeofRepatriatingDeceasedKenyansfromAustria

  • 197.Thenominee acknowledged that assistingfamilieswith repatriation of bodieswas a fundamental ambassadorial duty. He proposed creating a comprehensive database to streamline and improve assistance in such cases.

OnLanguageProficiency

  • 198.Thenomineeacknowledged thatGermanisAustria'sofficiallanguage.HenotedthatGermany was his first diplomatic posting and while he speaks basic German, he committed to immediately beginning German lessons upon arrival in Austria to better serve Kenyans.

On ChangingPerceptions aboutDoingBusiness inAfrica

199. The nominee acknowledged challenges with doing business in Africa were not only an Austrian concernbut abroaderEuropean perception.Heproposed a comprehensive strategy to change these perceptions through awareness creation,working with media outlets,and writing opinion pieces.

OnthePotentialDualCitizenship

  • 200.Thenomineeclarified thathewasborninLondon,UKwhilehisfatherwasworkingatthe Kenyan Embassy.He explained that children born during diplomatic service do not automatically acquire citizenship of thehostcountry.

3.7.3Committee'sDeterminationontheSuitabilityoftheNominee

  • 201.The Committee, having reviewed the nominee's completed questionnaire, curriculum vitae and s AmbassadortoVienna,Austria:
  • (1)Thatthe nomineeholdsaMasterofArtsinDiplomaticStudies,aBachelorofArtsinPolitical Science,aPostgraduateDiploma inArmed ConflictandPeaceStudies.Qualifications that aredirectlyrelevanttotheproposedappointment.
  • (2) That the nominee is the Ambassador and Deputy High Commissioner at theKenya High Commission in London,UK,and has previously served as Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission attheKenyaEmbassyinBeijing,China,Director ofBilateralandPolitical Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi,Director in the Office of the Chief Administrative Secretary at the Ministry, Counsellor and Head of Chancery at the Kenya High Commission in Ottawa,Canada,Assistant Directorin theMinistry of ForeignAffairs and International Trade, First Secretary at the Kenya High Commission in Lusaka, Zambia, Senior Foreign ServiceOfficer inNairobi andSecond Secretary at the KenyaHigh CommissioninDaresSalaam,Tanzania.
  • (3)That thenomineemeets therequirements of ChapterSix of the Constitution onintegrity, havingobtained all therequired clearancesfromEACC,ORPP,KRA,HELB,DCI,andCRB. Further,no adverse submissions were received against the nominee during the public Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap. 7F. The nominee is therefore suitabletoholdpublicoffice.
  • (4)Thatthenomineehasneitherbeenchargedinacourtoflawnor adverselymentionedinany investigatoryreportof Parliament orany Commissionof Inquiry andhasneverbeenremoved fromofficeforcontraventionoftheprovisionsofArticle75oftheConstitution.
  • (5)That thenomineeidentifiedpossible areasof cooperationbetweenKenyaand Austria and EU at large, particularly in nuclear energy, tourism, ICT, education, labour mobility and technology transfer.He demonstrated appreciation of Austria being a multilateral station and expressedreadinesstoensureKenyabenefitsfromtheUNagencies-basedVienna.He committed toleverage the multiple accreditations to advanceKenya's interests in Hungary, SlovakRepublic,Ukraineand Croatia.Thenomineethereforemeets thesuitabilitycriteria under Section 7 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F;

3.8Ms.JayneJepkorir Toroitich-Nominee as Consul-General,Dubai,United ArabEmirates

  • 202.Ms.Jayne Jepkorir Toroitich appeared before the Committee on Thursday 4th September 2025 and was vetted under oath pursuant to Article 132(2)(e)of the Constitution,the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F, the Foreign Service Act, Cap 185E and the Standing Orders of the National Assembly. The Committee noted the following:

3.8.1QuestionsfromtheFilledQuestionnaire

Citizenship,Date,andPlaceofBirth

203. The nominee is a Kenyan Citizen born in 1970 in Baringo County and does not hold dual citizenship.

AcademicandProfessionalQualifications

  • 204.The nominee holds a Master of International Relations (Intermational Relations)from the USIU andaBachelorofArtsinEducationfromKenyattaUniversity.

EmploymentRecordandWorkExperience

  • 205.The nominee is the Deputy ExecutiveDirector, Multinational Security Support in Haiti Support Office(MSS-SO),Washington.She has served as Chargé d'Affaires,Embassy of Kenya in the USA, Head of Chancery/Third Committee, Kenya Mission to the UN and Political Coordinator,

Kenya to theUNSecurityCouncil,Elections Officer/Headof Second Committee,UNMission, Assistant Director,UN & Multilateral Directorate,MFA Nairobi,and Minister Counsellor/AlternatePermanentRepresentative,IMOLondon.

HonoursandAwards

  • 206.Thenomineeindicated that shehad not received anyhonour or award.

ProfessionalAssociationandMemberships

  • 207.Thenomineeis amember oftheWomenSecurityCouncilPolitical Coordinators.

PublishedWritings

  • 208.Thenomineehas published a thesis titled'CoalitionGovernance:A CaseStudyofKenya'and has on ongoing publication on'Chronology of Kenya's Tenure in theSecurity Council 2021/22'

PublicOffice,Political Activities andAffiliations

209. The nominee does not hold any public office and does not have any political affiliation.

IncomeandNetworth

  • 210.The nomineeestimated her networthtobeKES77million comprisingof Saccodividends, property investments and savings.

PotentialConflictofInterest

211. The nominee declared that she does not have any persons, litigation, financial arrangement, matter or issue thatwould present apotential conflictofinterestshould he assume theposition of consul-generaltoDubai,UAE.Thenomineestatedthat,should aconflict ofinterest arise duringthedischargeofherduties,shewoulddeclaretheinterestinwritingtotheappointing authorityinaccordancewiththelaw.

Pro-BonoandCharityWork

212. The nominee has engaged in fundraisings for churches and community events.

Integrity

  • 213.Thenomineestated that shehasneither been charged in a court oflawnor adversely mentioned in anyinvestigatoryreport of Parliament or any Commissionof Inquiryin thelast threeyears. The nominee has never been removed from office for contravention of the provisions of Article 75 of the Constitution.

3.8.2GeneralandMission-SpecificQuestionstotheNominee

  • appointment as the of Consul-General to Dubai, UAE and she responded as recorded hereunder:

On theNominee'sStrategy toLeverageDubai toPromoteTourisminKenya

215. The nominee explained that her key strategy would be to mobilize a strong and proactive team in Dubai to aggressively market Kenya as a premier tourist destination. She emphasized that Kenya offers unique attractions such as wildlife safaris, coastal beaches, cultural heritage, and conference tourism,which can appeal to theMiddleEastern market.She stated that shewould leverage partnerships and by showcasing Kenya's tourism potential in exhibitions, and targeted media campaigns, which aim to ensure a higher inflow of tourists from Dubai into Kenya.

On theSoundnessandSuccessRateof theDecision toSendKenyaTroopstoHaiti

216. The nominee noted that the deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti was a positive and timely decision, as it was aimed at restoring law and order in a country. She observed that since

the arrival of the Kenyan contingent, there has been notable improvement in security,with hospitals resuming operations and schools reopening, signalling a return to normalcy.

On theNominee's Strategies toEncourageFDI and DiasporaRemittancesfromDubai

217. The nominee acknowledged that a growing number of Kenyans are investing in Dubai, largely duetoperceptions ofease of doingbusiness.However,sheexpressed her commitment to that she would work closely with relevant Kenyan agencies to showcase opportunities in key sectors.The nominee committed to engage theKenyan diaspora and business community in Dubai through investment forums to encourage capital inflows to Kenya. She stated that part of her rolewouldbe tohighlightgovernment incentives thatmakeinvesting inKenya safe and profitable,therebyinstillingconfidence amonginvestors.

On theNominee'sStrategy toCurbRogueLabour Agents

  • 218.The nominee recognized the problem of rogue labour recruitment agents who exploit Kenyans seeking employment opportunities in the Gulf region.She stated that her first step would be to enhance pre-departure training and awareness programs for migrant workers to ensure they understand their rights, contractual obligations, and available reporting channels in case of abuse. Shenoted thatshewould advocateforstrongerbilateral labour agreementsbetweenKenya and host countries,including Dubai,to ensure that recruitment processes are streamlined and transparent.She proposed the introduction of stricter regulatory measures and close monitoring of recruitment agencies, including blacklisting rogue agents, to protect Kenyans from exploitation.

3.8.3Committee'sDeterminationontheSuitabilityoftheNominee

  • 219.The Committee,having reviewed the nominee's completed questionnaire,curriculum vitae and oralsubmission,madethefollowingobservationsregardingher suitabilityfor appointment as Consul-General toDubai,UAE:
  • (1)That the nominee holds a Master's Degree in International Relations and a Bachelor's Degree inEducation.
  • (2) That the nominee is the Deputy Executive Director, Multinational Security Support in Haiti Support Office (MSS-SO), Washington, and has previously served as Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of Kenya in the USA, Head of Chancery/Third Committee,Kenya Mission to the UN and Political Coordinator,Kenya to the UN Security Council, Elections Officer/Head of Second Committee, UN Mission, Assistant Director, UN & Multilateral Directorate, MFA Nairobi,andMinister Counsellor/AlternatePermanentRepresentative,IMOLondon.
  • (3) That the nomineemeets the requirementsof ChapterSix of the Constitution on integrity, havingobtainedall therequiredclearancesfromEACC,ORPP,KRA,HELB,DCI,andCRB Further, no adverse submissions were received against the nominee during the public Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap. 7F. The nominee is therefore suitabletoholdpublicoffice.
  • (4)Thatthenomineehasneitherbeenchargedina courtoflawnor adverselymentionedinany investigatoryreport of Parliament or any Commissionof Inquiry and hasneverbeenremoved fromofficeforcontraventionoftheprovisionsofArticle75oftheConstitution.
  • (5)ThatthenomineeexhibitedknowledgeofthedynamicsofthelabourmarketintheMiddle East, and vast experience in international diplomacy.Her expertise aligns with Kenya's foreign policy priorities of economic, cultural, peace and diaspora diplomacy. The nominee

therefore meetsthesuitability criteriaunder Section7of thePublicAppointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F;

3.9 Ms.JudyKiaria Nkumiri-Nominee as Consul-General, Goma,DemocraticRepublic of the Congo

220. Ms. Judy Kiaria Nkumiri appeared before the Committee on Thursday 4th September 2025 and (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F, the Foreign Service Act, Cap 185E and the Standing Orders of the National Assembly. The Committee noted the following:

3.9.1QuestionsfromtheFilledQuestionnaire

Citizenship,Date andPlace ofBirth

  • 221.The nominee is a Kenyan Citizen born inJanuary1984 in Meru County and does not hold dual citizenship.

AcademicandProfessionalQualifications

  • 222.The nominee holds a Bachelor of Education(Arts)with Business Studies from the University of Nairobi and aPrimaryTeacherEducation (PTE)Diploma fromBondo Teachers Training College.

EmploymentRecordandWorkExperience

  • 223.The nominee is has extensive experience as a School teacher with 17years'experience in the profession.She has also held various leadership roles in the church she is affiliated with.

HonoursandAwards

  • 224.The nominee did notindicate any honours or awards received.

ProfessionalAssociation andMemberships

  • 225.The nominee is not amemberof anyprofessional association.

PublishedWritings

226. The nominee has not published any articles.

PublicOffice,PoliticalActivitiesandAffiliations

227. The nominee indicated that she was appointed as Vice chairperson NGAAF in Meru County. Shedidnotindicateanypolitical affiliations.

IncomeandNetworth

  • 228.The nominee estimated her net worth to be KES 14 million from salary,rental income and farming.

PotentialConflictofInterest

  • 229.The nominee declared that she does not have any persons,litigation,financial arrangement, matterorissue that wouldpresent apotentialconflict ofinterest should he assume theposition of the Consul-general to Goma DRC. The nominee stated that, should a conflict of interest arise during the discharge of his duties,hewould declare the interest inwritingto the appointing authorityinaccordancewiththelaw.

Pro-Bono,CharityWorkorDonationtoCharity

230. The nominee is involved in charity supporting needy families and students.

Integrity

231. The nominee stated that she has been mentioned in an investigatory report of Parliament, charged on the same in a court oflawbut not convicted. The nominee has neverbeen removedfrom officeforcontraventionof theprovisionsofArticle75oftheConstitution.

3.9.2General andMission-SpecificQuestions totheNominee

  • 232.To assess the nominee's overall suitability,the Committee posed questions on her suitability for appointment as the Consul-General to Goma,DRC and she responded as recorded hereunder:

OntheNominee'sCapabilitiesinHandlingDiplomacyintheVolatileEasternDRC

  • 233.The nominee explained thatherprofessional background as a teacher has equipped herwith critical skills in communication, negotiation,and mediation.She emphasized that these are engagementsinavolatileregion such asEasternDRC.Shenoted that herexperienceindealing with diverse groups of people has given her ability to build consensus, resolve disputes, and foster mutual understanding which is crucial for conflict-sensitive diplomatic postings.

On theHistory of theDRC Conflict

234. The nominee noted that the DRC has experienced instability since its independence in 1960. She highlighted that the assassination of the first Prime Minister,Patrice Lumumba,in 1961, set the stage for prolonged political turbulence.She further noted that the country's vast natural resources havebeen amajordriverof conflict,as competitionfortheir control hasfuelled armed rebellionsandforeigninterventions.

OnHandlingthePerceivedDiplomaticRowbetweenKenyaandDRC

  • 235.The nominee responded that her diplomatic approach would prioritize constructive engagement withDRCauthoritiestofullyunderstandtheirconcerns.Sheemphasizedtheneedtoreassure the DRC leadership thatKenya remains a supportive partner committed to regional peace, stability,and cooperation.She added that she would promote dialogue on mutuallybeneficial projects,fosteringgoodwill and strengtheningbilateral relations.

OnKenya'sForeignServicePrioritiesandCoreValues

236. The nominee stated that peace diplomacy, economic diplomacy, diaspora diplomacy, and cultural diplomacy are among thekeypriorities of Kenya'sForeignService.

On theNominee'sUnderstandingofBalanceofTradeand GDP

  • 237.The nominee stated that balance of traderefersto the differencebetween thevalue ofacountry's exportsanditsimports.ThenomineeclarifiedthatGDPisthetotalmonetaryvalueofgoods produced within a country in a given period, and it serves as the measure of a country's economic performance.

OntheStatusofDRCintheEAC

238. The nominee stated that the Democratic Republic of Congo is a member of the East African Community (EAC), having formally joined the regional bloc in 2022.

3.9.3Committee'sDeterminationontheSuitabilityof theNominee

  • 239.The Committee,having reviewed thenominee's completed questionnaire,curriculumvitae and oralsubmission,made thefollowing observationsregardinghissuitabilityfor appointment as Consul-General to GomaDRC:
  • (1)That the nominee holds aBachelor of Education(Arts)withBusinessStudiesandPrimary Teacher Education (PTE) Diploma.
  • (2) The nominee is a professional teacher with extensive experience spanning 17years in the profession.SheconcurrentlyservesintheNational GovernmentAffirmativeActionFundin Meru County.Previously,she alsoserved as theVice Chairperson of UwezoFund inIgembe South.
  • (3) That the nominee meetsthe requirementsof Chapter Six of the Constitution onintegrity, having obtained all the required clearances from EACC, ORPP, KRA, HELB, DCI, and CRB. Further,no adverse submissions were received against the nominee during the public

participation processconducted under Article118ofthe Constitution and Section 6(9)ofthe Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act,Cap. 7F. The nominee is therefore suitabletoholdpublicoffice.

  • (4)Thatthenomineehasneitherbeenchargedin a court of lawnor adverselymentioned inany investigatoryreport ofParliament or any Commissionof Inquiry and hasneverbeen removed fromofficeforcontraventionoftheprovisionsofArticle75oftheConstitution.
  • (5) That the nominee demonstrated impressive grasp of the history and conflict dynamics in the DRC. She also appreciates the centrality of Goma in pacifying not only the DRC but also the entireGreatLakesregion.Thenomineethereforemeetsthesuitabilitycriteria underSection 7 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F;

4.0GENERALCOMMITTEEOBSERVATIONS

240. The Committee, having considered the nominees' academic credentials and professional qualifications,work andprofessional experience,personalintegrity,aswell as their performance during the approval hearings,made the following general observations: 2. (1)All the nine (9) nominees areKenyan citizens and do not hold dual citizenshipin conformity withArticle78oftheConstitution. 3. asStateofficers asrequired byArticle77(1)oftheConstitution. 4. (3)InaccordancewithArticle77(2)oftheConstitutionandtheScheduleof thePublic Appointment (Parliamentary Approval)Act, Cap 7F,none of the nominees holds office in any political party. 5. (4)All the nominees indicated compliance with Articles 75 and 76of theConstitutionon the conduct andfinancial probity of State officers.They indicated the nonexistence of potential conflictofinterestandcommittedtodeclareanyshoulditarise. 6. (5)Bythesetdeadlineforreceiptofmemorandafrommembersofthepublic,theCommittee hadnotreceivedanywrittenstatementonoathcontestingthesuitabilityofanyof the nominees.However,theCommitteereceivedanemailfromKevinWanzaladatedMonday, 1s September 2025, concurring with the nominations and urging for regional balance in future nominations.The Committee observed that the email was not a statement on oath contestingthesuitabilityof thenomineesasrequiredbysection6(9)of thePublic Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap. 7F. 7. (6)All thenominees,saveforAmb.AnthonyMwaniki Muchiri,haveneitherbeen charged in a courtof lawnor adverselymentioned in anyinvestigatoryreportofParliamentor any Commission of Inquiry and have never been removed from office for contravention of the provisions of Article75 of the Constitution. 8. (7)Amb.AnthonyMwanikiMuchiri was adverselymentioned in theNational Assembly's DepartmentalCommitteeonDefenceandForeignRelationsinits2010Reportonthe Procurement,Disposal and ConstructionofPropertiesofKenya'sDiplomaticMissions in Egypt,Japan,Nigeria,Belgium and Pakistan.The Committee recommended that "necessary action"be taken against him and others by the relevant authorities in relation to misconductinthepurchaseoftheEmbassyinTokyo.Subsequentlythenomineewascharged with theoffence of abuse of officeinprocuring theTokyoEmbassywithoutfollowing due process in Anticorruption CaseNo.2of2013,but was clearedofallthe charges,forlackof evidence,inarulingdated30thMarch2016. 9. (8)The nine (9) nominees obtained all the required clearances from EACC,ORPP,KRA,HELB, DCI, and CRB. Further, no adverse submissions were received against the nominees during the public participation process conducted under Article 118 of the Constitution and Section 6(9) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap. 7F.

  • (9) The nine (9) nominees, having presented their academic and professional credentials and made oral submissions during the approval hearings, demonstrated their suitability for appointment in accordancewith theprovisionsofSection 6(7)of thePublicAppointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F.

5.0COMMITTEERECOMMENDATION

241. Having conducted the approval hearings pursuant to Article 132(2)(e) of the Constitution; Sections 3 and 8 of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, Cap 7F; Section 20(2)of theForeignServiceAct,Cap 185E and StandingOrder 216(5)(f)of the National Assembly,the CommitteerecommendsthattheHouseAPPROVES the appointment of:

  • (1) Hon.Florence Chepngetich Bore as High Commissioner to Windhoek,Namibia;

3. (2)Amb.AnthonyMwaniki Muchiri asAmbassador toAnkara,Turkey;

  • (3) Amb.Lucy Kiruthu as Ambassador to Bangkok,Thailand;

5. (4)Mr.HenryWambuma asAmbassador toBujumbura,Burundi;

  • (5) Mr. Abdirashid Salat Abdille as Ambassador to Jakarta, Indonesia;
  • (6) Amb. Joseph Musyoka Masila as Ambassador to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia;
  • (7) Amb.Edwin Afande as Ambassador to Vienna,Austria;
  • (8) Ms.Jayne Jepkorir Toroitich as the Consul-General to Dubai,United Arab Emirates;and

10. (9)Ms.JudyKiaria Nkumiri as the Consul-General to Goma,DemocraticRepublic of Congo

SIGNED:

THEHON.NELSONKOECH,CBS,M.P. CHAIRPERSON,DEPARTMENTALCOMMITTEEONDEFENCE,INTELLIGENCE ANDFOREIGNRELATIONS

DATE:

2 3 SEP 2025

Machine-extracted text (docling) from a scanned document — may contain recognition errors. Original PDF — parliament.go.ke.

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