Professionals endorse push for merit-based diplomatic appointments in Kenya
By Faith Lagat, May 1, 2026The International Relations Society of Kenya has endorsed the Foreign Service (Amendment) Bill, 2026, describing it as a key step toward strengthening professionalism and merit-based practice in Kenya’s diplomatic service.
In a press statement posted on X on May 1, 2026, the society said the proposed law would enhance the quality of Kenya’s diplomatic representation and urged Parliament to table it for debate. It also indicated readiness to provide technical input during the legislative process.
“The International Relations Society of Kenya (IRSK), the professional body for international affairs and diplomacy in Kenya, welcomes the Foreign Service (Amendment) Bill, 2026 as a timely and much-needed step toward strengthening professionalism and merit-based practice in Kenya’s diplomatic representation, and urges Parliament to table it for discussion,” read part of the statement.
Proposed changes to diplomatic appointments
The Bill seeks to amend Section 20 of the Foreign Service Act (Cap 185E) by replacing the current requirement of a “fair balance” between career and non-career diplomats with a defined 70:30 ratio.
Under the proposal, at least 70 per cent of ambassadors, high commissioners and permanent representatives would be drawn from career diplomats, while non-career appointees would be limited to 30 per cent.
The reform aligns with Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025 on the Foreign Policy of the Republic of Kenya, which calls for progressive professionalisation of the country’s foreign service.
The International Relations Society of Kenya noted that modern diplomacy requires specialised expertise, institutional memory and competence in areas such as security, trade, multilateral engagement and regional cooperation.
Calls for clarity and accountability
The society stated that the existing “fair balance” provision has been subject to varied interpretation, resulting in inconsistent application in diplomatic appointments. It said a fixed ratio would enhance transparency, predictability and accountability in the selection of envoys while strengthening diplomacy as a professional career path.
The Bill also builds on constitutional provisions under Article 132(2)(e), which requires presidential nominations of ambassadors to be approved by the National Assembly.
Legislative process and stakeholder support
The Foreign Service (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was previously reviewed by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, chaired by Nelson Koech, in November 2025.
It is sponsored by Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna Ngusya and proposes reforms to the structure of diplomatic appointments in Kenya’s foreign service.
The International Relations Society of Kenya commended the sponsor for advancing the Bill and called for its expedited tabling in Parliament. It expressed confidence that career diplomats, foreign policy experts and stakeholders would support the reforms.
The society further stated that if enacted, the legislation would strengthen Kenya’s diplomatic service by promoting merit-based appointments and enhancing the country’s international representation.