𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

The Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee has vetted Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Peter Mbogo Njiru nominated as Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Hon. Fred Outa, nominated as Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Prof. Anne Kisaka Nangulu nominated to represent Kenya in Senegal, Mr. Timothy Kaluma Mcharo, nominee for the position of Ambassador to  Algeria and Hon. Prof. Christopher Lang’at  who has been nominated to as Kenya's ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire.

In a meeting chaired by Hon. Nelson Koech (Belgut), lawmakers put ambassadorial hopefuls to task on their qualifications, their capabilities in navigating international diplomacy and their plans to boost trade with key partner countries.

Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Peter Mbogo Njiru, nominated for High Commissioner to Pakistan, highlighted his 39 years of military service with experience in peacekeeping and working with foreign militaries.

Lawmakers questioned the nominee on trade ties. Hon. Joshua Kandie (Baringo South) asked, " Kenya appears to have a positive balance of trade with Pakistan. Other than the export of tea,  What would you do to boost trade with Pakistan?"

In his response, Lt. Gen Mbogo acknowledged Kenya's main export product to Pakistan is tea. He said," tea exports will remain a focal point. I intend to create more opportunities for Kenya's horticulture sector. We also export fruit, hides and skins and legumes. Creation of awareness and boosting export."

On his part, Hon. Fred Outa, Kenya's ambassadorial nominee to the Arab Republic of Egypt highlighted the opportunities to boost trade with Egypt. He said, "Egypt has a population of 114 million. We need to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance tea exports."

Speaking on the dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia regarding use of the Nile river. Hon. Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji) asked, "What is your take on your conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia regarding the River Nile?"

Hon. Outa said, "The Nile river is a shared source & Kenya is also a beneficiary of the Nile through Lake Victoria. Our foreign policy objective is to promote peace & our interest in Egypt is to explore opportunities for trade. I will encourage peaceful resolution of the conflict."

The ambassadorial hopeful for the Republic of Senegal, Prof. Anne Kisaka Nangulu previously served as a Professor of History at Moi University and the Principal of Bomet University College.

Committee Members acknowledged her illustrious academic career while highlighting the untapped opportunities for trade with Senegal and neighbouring francophone countries. 

"Having a mission in Senegal is strategic. It could open up opportunities for trade  ties and establish relationships with neighbouring francophone countries including Mali and Gambia," added Prof. Nangulu.

During the meeting, legislators questioned the nominees' on their proficiency in languages spoken in Senegal, Cote D'Ivoire and Algeria.  Prof. Anne Kisaka Nangulu, nominated to Senegal, where French and Wolof are the official languages, assured the Committee, "I am conversant with engaging with people who speak different languages."  Career diplomat, Mr. Timothy Kaluma Mcharo, nominated to Algeria, where Arabic and French are official languages, highlighted his experience working in Geneva where he dealt with international affairs and spoke the language. 

Mr. Mcharo, Kenya's ambassadorial nominee to Algeria also highlighted the importance of establishing a formal trade agreement with Algeria. "Our exports are minimal. My role would be to work with Algeria to have a formal arrangement for imports and exports," he stated.

Former Senator Hon. Christopher Lang'at, tapped as Ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire, informed the Committee of his plans to bridge the educational gap between the two nations. "Kenya has a competitive advantage in the area of education, research," Lang'at asserted. "We will establish links through agreements for education tourism."

The Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations will continue the approval hearings on Monday, 8th April 2024 in accordance with Article 124 (a) of the Constitution.