The National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations, chaired by Hon.Nelson Koech (Belgut), has vetted three of the four individuals nominated by the President for appointment as Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Diplomatic Representatives.

First to appear before the Committee was Dr. Andrew Karanja, nominated as Kenya’s Ambassador to the Federative Republic of Brazil. Dr. Karanja, a former Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, highlighted his experience in agriculture and commitment to enhancing trade ties between Kenya and Brazil.

Hon. Joshua Kandie (Baringo Central) raised concerns about the trade imbalance between the two nations, asking, “What will you do to improve the trade imbalance between Kenya and Brazil?”

In response, Dr. Karanja emphasized prioritizing tea exports and leveraging climate diplomacy, especially as Brazil prepares to host COP 30 this year.

On agriculture technology, Hon. Memusi Kanchory (Kajiado Central), asked how Kenya could benefit from Brazil’s expertise in livestock technology and drought management. Dr. Karanja affirmed, “I will work to ensure Kenya gains access to modern livestock technology, including advanced breeding practices and drought management strategies.”

Dr. Karanja also pledged to advocate for Kenya’s membership in BRICS (a coalition of leading emerging economies that promotes peace, security, development, and cooperation) as Brazil is a key proponent of both BRICS and the G20.

Hon. Ababu Namwamba, nominated as Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) was second to face the MPs' scrutiny.

Members of the Committee who had previously visited the Kenya Mission to the United Nations Offices in Nairobi (UNON), noted the need to capitalize on the fact that UNON, UNEP, and UN-Habitat are the only UN headquarters situated in Africa and in the developing world.

Hon. Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji) raised concerns about Kenya's role in multilateral institutions such as UNEP and UNON, which are headquartered in Nairobi. He sought assurance from Hon. Namwamba on Kenya’s diplomatic priorities with the country’s economic agenda.

In response, Hon. Namwamba vowed to integrate the multinationals’ work with Kenya’s BETA economic plan, stating, “We need to make the presence of UNEP and UNON more visible and impactful for Kenyans.”

"I am confident in my ability to handle this assignment. I believe with academic background, expertise and experience I will sufficiently execute my mandate if approved," he added.

The Committee also vetted Mr. Noor Gabow, a seasoned peacekeeping expert and Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, for the role of Consul General in Haiti.

Lawmakers raised concerns about the Haiti's political instability and the progress of the he Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti.

Mr. Gabow outlined his extensive experience in global peace missions. He emphasized the need to strengthen coordination between Kenya’s consulate and the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti.

“Opening a mission in Haiti will enhance our support for Kenyan officers and foster trade ties with the Caribbean nation,” Mr. Gabow added.

On the welfare of Kenyan officers deployed in Haiti, Hon. Abdikadir Mohamed (Lagdera) asked about allegations of poor welfare and delayed salaries echoed by Hon. Martha Wangari (Gilgil) inquired about strategies to safeguard Kenyan personnel amid Haiti’s ongoing humanitarian challenges.

"What strategies will you employ to protect the welfare and safety of Kenyan personnel and citizens in Haiti amid the ongoing security challenges? Our Officers are alleging their salaries are delaying? How will you ensure that our officers welfare is taken care of," Hon. Wangari asked.

Mr. Gabow outlined his vision for establishing Kenya’s presence in Haiti, stating, “If approved, I committ to ensuring the welfare of our officers is prioritized, including timely payment and adequate support for their safety and operations.”

In a letter to the Clerk of the National Assembly read by Committee Chair, Hon. Nelson Koech, Mrs. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u former ICT Cabinet Secretary declined her the nomination as High Commissioner for Ghana

The Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations is expected to review the nominees' submissions and prepare a report that will be tabled in the House for consideration.