𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 

𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

The National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations, chaired by Hon. Nelson Koech (Belgut) has called on ambassadorial nominees to be better prepared for approval hearings.

"Ambassadors are the face of the country in their duty stations. They represent the interests of Kenyans as such we expected the nominees who appear before this Committee to demonstrate their suitability," underscored Hon. Nelson Koech.

Hon. Elijah Memusi (Kajiado Central), the session's Vice Chair, echoed these sentiments. "We expect the nominees to have done their homework and come ready to answer questions about their plans for their respective postings," he stated.

Four ambassadorial nominees were vetted: Mr. Aden Mohamud Mohamed (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia), Mr. Kenneth Milimo Nganga (Abu Dhabi, UAE), Mr. Abdi Aden Korio (Muscat, Oman), and Ms. Gertrude N. Angote (UNEP, Nairobi).

Kenya's nominee for Ambassador to Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Aden Mohamud Mohamed, has pledged to prioritize improved working terms for Kenyan migrant workers and to boost bilateral trade.

Mr. Aden  Mohamed a career diplomat, responded to questions from legislators who highlighted the challenges faced by Kenyans working in the Saudi Arabia, particularly domestic workers.  

The nominee highlighted the recently introduced labor reforms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as an opportunity. "We shall move to sign a new labor agreement based on this new system," Mr. Mohammed a career diplomat said. "The previous agreement was signed in 2017."

Hon. Caleb Amisi (Saboti) challenged Mr. Abdi Korio, nominee to Muscat, Oman, on his plans to boost Kenyan meat exports. "Oman is supposed to be a good market for Kenyan meat products. However, we have previously had several diplomats who have failed to deliver tangible results. What are you going to do differently to market Kenyan products?"

Mr. Abdi Korio a career civil servant and Member of the Board of the Kenya National Museums assured the Committee of his intent to identify market gaps and opportunities for Kenyan products.

Committee Members also vetted Mr. Kenneth Milimo Nganga, nominated for Ambassador to the Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), a career teacher and Kenya National Union of Teachers Representative. 

Kenya's nominated representative to the United Nations Environment Programme, Ms. Gertrude N. Angote was the final nominee vetted on Tuesday.

Lawmakers noted Ms. Angote has exemplary career  as the Project Coordinator of the International Labour Organisation with 13 years experience in law, policy and capacity development.

Hon. Yusuf Hassan (Kamukunji) raised concerns about UNEP, the sole UN headquarters in the Global South asking, " UNEP is the only UN Headquarters on the global south but it is not meeting it's full potential. How will you advocate for UNEP to get more funding?"

Hon. Hassan further pressed Ms. Angote on the lack of Kenyan representation in UNEP's top management. "Kenyans are completely underrepresented in the top leadership of UNEP, How will you facilitate and advocate for Kenyans to reach management levels?"

In her response Ms. Angote acknowledged the significance of UNEP's headquarters in Kenya. She further added following the Conference on Climate Change and Development held in Kenya and 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28 which Kenya will provide opportunities for Kenyans.

During the meeting, Hon. Vincent Mogaka Kemosi, nominated as Ambassador to Ghana, withdrew his nomination to the post citing family obligations,  according to a letter addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly read to the Committee by the Chairperson Hon. Nelson Koech (Belgut). The nominee's withdrawal is inline with Sec 10 (6) of the Public Appointments Parliamentary Approvals Act.

The Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee will resume approval hearings of ambassadorial nominees on Thursday, 11th April 2024.