The National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations has concluded approval hearings for 27 Ambassadors and High Commissioner nominees.

Today, 7 nominees appeared before the Members of the Committee on the final day of vetting. 

They are Ms. Grace Atieno Okara,( Permanent Representative UN HABITAT, Nairobi), Dr. Fancy Too, (Permanet Representative Geneva - Switzerland), Mr. Ekitela Erastus Lokaale (Permanent Representative UN, New York, USA), Mr. Ezra Chiloba (Consular General Los - Angeles, USA) and Mr. Charles Githinji Keiru,  (Consular General - Goma, DRC)

In the afternoon, Amb. Moi Lemoshira,  (Tokyo, Japan) and Mr. David Iboko Lokemer, (Dubai, UAE) appeared before the Committee.

During the approval hearings, Members led by Hon. Nelson Koech (Belgut) scrutinised the nominees suitability and professional competence for their postings.

In accordance with the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approvals) Act, Committeee Members   ascertained whether the nominees had complied with the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission, Higher Education Loans Board and  Kenya Revenue Authority on wealth declarations, and tax compliance. 

Ms. Grace Atieno Okara nominated as Permanent Representative to UN Habitat spoke to intent to allign the UN Habitat's role in ensuring decent housing and Kenya:s affordable housing programme. 

On his part, Amb. Moi Lemoshira (Tokyo, Japan), a seasoned diplomat with 29 years in the service  pledged to strengthen trade ties between Kenya and Japan particularly in trade of goods and education and scholarships partnerships.

Mr. Ekitela Erastus Lokaale Kenya's permanet  representative to the UN, New York, USA who presently serves as the Climate Change Advisor to the State Department of Foreign Affairs  responded to questions regarding the reforms at the UN and the UN's role in the Gaza humanitarian conflict 

"What we are witnessing in Gaza is unfortunate. Kenya's stand is that the human rights violations have to end. If approved I will pursue the alleviation of suffering of humans across the world including African conflicts in Khartoum, Sudan and Tigary, Ethiopia," Mr. Lokaale said.

Mr. David Iboko Lokemer nominee for Dubai, UAE said he would entrench trade, labour migration and diplomatic ties if approved to serve as Kenya's Ambassador in Dubai, UAE.

Mr. Lokemer added that he would implement trade agreements signed between UAE and Kenya that protect the rights of migrant workers from exploitation. 

On his part Mr. Ezra Chiloba who was nominated as Consular General, Los Angeles, USA said he would entrench deeper collaborations between the creative industries of both nations to allow Kenyan youths in the creative industry to tap into well-established Hollywood film industry.

Dr. Fancy Too, appeared before the Committee seeking their approval as Kenya's nominee as Permanent Representative to Geneva Switzerland 

Legislators acknowledged the nominee's experience. MPs sought details on how the nominee would leverage the position as Permanent Representative to Geneva to advance Kenya's development agenda.

The Committee also vetted Mr. Charles Githinji Keiru,  (Consular General - Goma, DRC). MPs expressed disappointment with the nominee's unpreparedness and lack of knowledge on his duty station.

The Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee will retreat to assess the suitability of the  nominees' before preparing a report to be tabled in the National Assembly