Protocol expert and CEO of Protocol Hub International John Apollo speaks during the World Protocol Matters event in Budapest, Hungary./HANDOUT
Kenyan protocol experts have called for adequate training and professional standards for protocol officers and practitioners to for proficient handling of high dignitaries.
Protocol expert and Chief Executive Officer of Protocol Hub International, John Apollo, said Kenya is among the countries that have continued to host high-level international events and engagements.
Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Kenya for the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi. President Macron showcased France‘s new Africa policy and push for economic deals and investment. Apollo said conferences where governments, corporations and international organisations become successful when proper protocol procedures are adhered to.
“Issues of professionalisation of Protocol Practice were talked about in this year’s World Protocol Matters in Budapest, Hungary. Kenya needs more training on protocol matters because it has continually hosted high-level international events and engagements,” Apollo said.
Speaking to journalists in Homa Bay, Apollo, who was among the speakers in Hungary, said they resolved to push toward greater global recognition and professionalisation of protocol practice as an essential discipline in diplomacy, governance, business, and international engagement. The conference brought together delegates from over 100 countries across the world, with diplomatic missions, embassies, protocol professionals, academia, and international stakeholders.
John Apollo with the former President of Hungary and former Vice president of The European Eunion Pal Schmitt in Budapest, Hungary./HANDOUT
A keynote address was also delivered by former President of Hungary, former Vice President of the European Parliament, former Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, and former Chief of Protocol of the International Olympic Committee, Pal Schmitt.
According to Apollo, delegates in the conference resolved to strengthen and professionalise protocol practice globally through structured professional training, certification, and accreditation frameworks. Professionalisation is aimed at enhancing standards, ethics, and institutional recognition of protocol practitioners.
“Participating countries agreed to support and advocate for the official global recognition of World Protocol Day. They agreed to be observed annually on 11th May, under the World Protocol Matters,” he said.
The day will be used to promote the importance of protocol, diplomacy, and international engagement worldwide. They agreed on the International Collaboration and Future Hosting Framework. Member countries signed collaborative partnerships to support joint trainings, protocol conferences, knowledge exchange, and institutional cooperation.
Apollo said they further resolved that future editions of the World Protocol Matters Conference shall be hosted through a competitive bidding process among interested countries.
“The bidding will start with the selection process for the 2027 World Protocol Matters Conference,” he added.
Apollo is recognised as among the protocol experts in Kenya. He previously served as Chief of Protocol and Chief of Staff in the Office of the Governor of Homa Bay County and later as Director of Protocol at the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB). He is a lawyer by training; holds a Master’s degree in Protocol and Diplomacy from the International School of Protocol and Diplomacy (ISPD), Brussels; and has also undergone professional training at the Protocol School in Washington.
He has conducted several protocol and diplomatic trainings across the region, including the inaugural Diplomatic Protocol and etiquette training at the University of Nairobi through a collaboration with the institution.
Apollo is a member of the Protocol and Diplomacy International Protocol Officers Association (PDI-POA), one of the leading global professional bodies for protocol officers and diplomatic practitioners. His participation at the conference highlights Kenya’s growing contribution to the professionalisation of protocol practice and global diplomatic engagement.
“It is unfortunate that protocol is only recognised when things go wrong, yet it remains one of the most critical pillars of successful international engagement,” he said.
