The National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations has concluded the vetting of nine nominees for ambassadorial and consular posts. Committee Chair Hon. Nelson Koech said the process was critical to ensuring Kenya’s diplomatic service remains strong and effective.

“Ambassadors are the face of our country abroad. It is important that we nominate people who understand foreign service and can protect Kenya’s interests. This is not just about representation but about economic and diplomatic returns for our nation,” he said. The nominees appeared over two days, answering pointed questions from Members.

Hon. Florence Bore nominated as High Commissioner to Windhoek, Namibia pledged to deepen bilateral ties in agriculture and education. MPs asked how she would leverage Namibia’s growing energy sector. She responded that she would, “work with Kenyan investors and professionals to identify opportunities in renewable energy and education exchange.”

Amb. Anthony Muchiri, nominee for Ambassador to Ankara, Turkey was questioned on te trade imbalance between Kenya and Turkey. Hon. Fred Ikana pressed him on Kenya’s weak export footprint in Turkey. “What practical measures will you take to push Kenyan goods into that market?” he asked. Amb. Muchiri replied: “I will engage Turkish chambers of commerce to open doors for Kenyan textiles, tea, and coffee, while also negotiating favourable tariffs. He highlighted his diplomatic background and plans to promote trade partnerships in textiles, agriculture, and construction materials. Members raised questions on Kenya’s export competitiveness, to which he assured that he would work with business associations to expand market access for Kenyan products.

On Amb. Lucy Kiruthu, Ambassador to Bangkok, Thailand, Hon. Millie Odhiambo raised concerns on protection of Kenyans working abroad. “Thailand attracts Kenyans for education and tourism, but how do you plan to safeguard their rights?” she asked. Amb. Kiruthu answered: “I will push for bilateral agreements that protect our citizens while also expanding cooperation in tourism and medical training.”

Hon. Caleb Amisi noted Burundi’s fragile security environment and asked how Wambuma would engage. Mr. Henry Wambuma, nominee for Ambassador to Bujumbura, Burundi, committed to strengthening Kenya’s participation in the East African Community and enhancing cross-border trade. Members sought his views on security cooperation in the Great Lakes region, with the nominee pledging to foster partnerships for regional peace and stability. He pledged to, “work through the East African Community to promote cross-border trade and peace. Security cooperation will be central to my mission.”

Members pressed Mr. Salat on tapping into Southeast Asia’s economic growth. He said: “Indonesia presents opportunities in technology transfer, agriculture, and education. I will promote Kenya as a gateway to Africa for Asian investors.”

Amb. Edwin Afande, nominee for Ambassador to Vienna, Austria, was questioned on Kenya’s multilateral diplomacy, given Austria’s role as host to numerous international organisations. Given Vienna’s global diplomatic standing, Hon. Fred Ikana asked: “How will you handle multiple accreditations, including Hungary and Ukraine, when resources are tight?”  

He assured the Committee that his experience in diplomacy would enable him to represent Kenya effectively, noting that he would advocate for peace, security, and disarmament while strengthening bilateral ties with Austria and neighbouring countries under his accreditation.

Amb. Afande pointed out, “I will leverage multilateral platforms to push Kenya’s agenda on peace, disarmament, and development while ensuring bilateral relations are not neglected.”

Hon. Martha Wangari raised concerns about labour migration to Amb. Joseph Musyoka Masila nominated as Kenya’s envoy to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. “Kenyans in Saudi Arabia face challenges. How will you safeguard their rights?” Amb. Masila replied, “I will prioritise protection of migrant workers through stronger bilateral labour agreements, while also mobilising investment flows from Saudi Arabia into Kenya.”

The Committee pressed Ms. Judy Kiaria Nkumiri nominee for Consul-General to Goma, DRC  on her qualifications for a volatile posting. Hon. Amisi asked: “How vast is your knowledge of the DRC to handle such a sensitive station?” Ms. Nkumiri defended her background, “A teaching profession is the mother of all things in the world, because every profession is through a teacher. My skills in communication and problem-solving will guide my diplomatic work.”

Hon. Martha Wangari reminded her, “We have rejected a nominee to this station before for lack of knowledge. What makes you different?” Ms. Nkumiri insisted she would engage DRC authorities directly: “I will talk about their priorities so they understand Kenyans support their sovereignty.” She also addressed reports of opposition from Kinshasa. “The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations does not require prior agreement before nomination. Once approved, I will use diplomacy to strengthen relations,” she said.

At the close of the sessions, Chair Hon. Koech said the Committee would prepare its report for the House. “Our role is to ensure the envoys approved by this House can serve effectively. Kenya needs envoys who will advance trade, investments and diaspora welfare. The House will make the final decision,” he concluded.