President William Ruto has sanctioned reassignments within Kenya’s foreign service, citing vacancies arising from the completion of the terms of service of serving ambassadors.
In a press release issued by the Executive Office of the President on Wednesday, the Head of State approved changes affecting serving heads of Kenya’s missions abroad.
The notification states that the reassignments are intended to address vacancies created after the end of ambassadors’ terms.
Under the presidential action, Ambassador Ababu Namwamba has been reassigned as High Commissioner to Kampala, Uganda, while Ambassador Joash Maangi has been reassigned as Ambassador to Brussels, Belgium and the European Union.
The press release notes that the changes take effect immediately.
The notification is dated Wednesday, January 21, 2026, and is signed by Felix Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service.
“His Excellency the President has this afternoon sanctioned changes within the nation's Foreign Service. The changes are necessitated by vacancies arising from the completion of the terms of service of serving Ambassadors,” Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said.
On January 20, President Ruto officially dispatched a new cohort of Kenya’s ambassadors, high commissioners, and consuls-general, underscoring the critical role of diplomacy in advancing the country’s strategic interests on the global stage.
“There is no greater honour in public service than the duty to represent one’s country internationally,” Ruto said Tuesday while hosting the team at State House.
He described the envoys as carriers of Kenya’s hopes, values, and aspirations, with a clear mandate to foster mutually beneficial relations, safeguard national interests, and faithfully represent the people of Kenya with dedication and steadfast commitment.
Guided by outcomes-driven economic diplomacy and Kenya’s roadmap to transform into a first-world economy through the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund, the envoys were tasked with pursuing strategic trade and investment opportunities to accelerate development, create dignified livelihoods for young people, and promote shared prosperity.
Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei hosted the ambassadors and consuls-general-designate for a preparatory luncheon on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
“At such a defining moment in global history, we need more adept diplomatic hands to help steer our nation’s interests and protect vital global public goods. We are confident in each designee’s capacity to meet the demands imposed by their high duty,” PS Sing’Oei said.
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