Kenya makes history with first formal protocol and etiquette lecture at UoN

Chief Executive officer of Protocol Hub International John Apollo with IDIS representative Kenneth Mbali during training at the University of Nairobi./HANDOUT

Kenya has recorded a historic milestone in higher education following the successful delivery of the first formal protocol and etiquette education lecture in the country.

The pioneering lecture was held at the University of Nairobi’s Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (IDIS) through a strategic collaboration between the University and Protocol Hub International (PHI).

The milestone initiative is anchored on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions.

The MoU was formally executed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Prof. Margaret Jesang’, and Chief Executive Officer of Protocol Hub International, John Apollo.

IDIS programmes coordinator Edwin Ayoma and Apollo said the exercise paved the way for the structured integration of protocol and etiquette education within the University’s academic programmes.

“This is a milestone in the history of our country. For the first time, we are integrating formal protocol education into institutions of higher learning. Protocol is a critical pillar of diplomacy, governance, and professionalism, and its formal teaching will greatly enhance the capacity of future diplomats and public servants,” Ayoma said.

Some students who underwent training with trainers at the University of Nairobi./HANDOUT

Maluki also serves as the chairman of the Board of the Kenya Foreign Service Academy.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event at the university, Apollo, who was the lead trainer, described the training as a landmark step in the professionalization of diplomacy and public service in Kenya.

Apollo is a seasoned protocol and etiquette expert with over a decade of experience.

He previously served as the Director of Protocol at the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), Chief of Protocol, and Chief of Staff in the Office of a County Governor, Homa Bay County Government.

Apollo said the inaugural training lecture has positioned the University of Nairobi as a trailblazer in Kenya and the East Africa region.

“It has set a strong foundation for the institutionalization of protocol and etiquette education within diplomatic training frameworks. The training is transformative and a learning experience for the students as it brings a notable advancement in institutional development,” Apollo said.

The Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (IDIS) representative, Dr. Kenneth Mbali, lauded Protocol Hub International for the successful delivery of the training.

He urged the students to engage with the programme with utmost seriousness on the grounds that the knowledge and skills acquired through the training are of significant academic and professional value.

Mbali said the training forms part of a continuous programme that is approved by the university. He indicated that a comprehensive schedule of all the modules would be undertaken and released in due course.

“The training will meaningfully contribute to students’ preparedness for careers in diplomacy and international relations. The trained students have acquired knowledge and skills in protocol practices,” Mbali said.