Ambassador of Indonesia to Kenya and Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Nairobi Witjaksono Adji giving his keynote speech during the event./DOUGLAS OKIDDY



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The annual Diplomatic Day at Daystar University brought together diplomats, policymakers, scholars, and more than 1,000 students for an engaging discussion on international relations, diplomacy, and emerging global priorities.

Held at the university’s main campus in Athi River, the event highlighted the institution’s growing role as a platform for dialogue between academia and the diplomatic community.

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The occasion was officially opened by Prof Samuel Muriithi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Daystar University, who welcomed the distinguished guests and students attending the panel discussion.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Muriithi emphasised the importance of diplomacy in fostering peaceful international cooperation and encouraged students to take a keen interest in global affairs.

Ambassador of Indonesia to Kenya and Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Nairobi, Witjaksono Adji giving his keynote speech during the event./DOUGLAS OKIDDY

He added that universities have a responsibility to nurture future diplomats and leaders capable of navigating complex global challenges.

Witjaksono Adji, the Ambassador of Indonesia to Kenya and Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Nairobi, echoed similar sentiments.

He spoke about evolving approaches to international relations and the importance of partnerships between regions such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Africa.

“The Indian Ocean, which once connected our continents through ancient trade routes, continues to bind our futures together,” he said, noting that Indonesia’s outlook is shaped by its ASEAN membership and its identity as part of the Global South.

Ambassador of Indonesia to Kenya and Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Nairobi Witjaksono Adji giving his keynote speech during the event./DOUGLAS OKIDDY


The ambassador also highlighted growing cooperation between Southeast Asia and African nations in trade, education, and maritime affairs.

He pointed to the strategic importance of the Port of Mombasa as a gateway to East Africa, supporting trade for countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan.

Other diplomats present included Marie Charlotte G. Tang, Ruzaimi Mohamad, Ruvini De Silva and Piyaporn Putanapan, reflecting strong diplomatic ties between Kenya and Asian nations.

The Kenyan government was represented by Ibrahim Mustapha from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs on behalf of Principal Secretary Abraham Korir Sing'oei. He emphasised that developing the Blue Economy remains a key national priority.

Nancy Karigithu, Kenya’s Special Envoy and Presidential Adviser on Maritime and Blue Economy, also highlighted the country’s vast maritime potential and the importance of ocean resources for sustainable development.

Students had a rare opportunity to interact directly with diplomats and policy experts, gaining insights into global diplomacy and international cooperation.

The event once again demonstrated how universities can serve as vital platforms for dialogue, bridging the gap between diplomacy, policy and the next generation of global leaders.