President Wiliam Ruto has sounded a warning to diplomats over wastage of public resources while on Kenyan missions abroad.
Ruto made the remarks on Thursday, December 7 at State House Nairobi during a meeting with 41 newly appointed ambassadors, high commissioners and deputy heads of mission.
“As an ambassador you are an agent to the Republic of Kenya. You must ensure that public resources allocated to your embassies, and all the resources are used prudently in an accountable manner,” said Ruto.
The head of state emphasized on the diplomats’ roles increasing in a bid to cut down the costs and resources used by other government officials travelling overseas.
“Infact you will find that in many cases you will represent the country, will not send ministers unless it is absolutely necessary, you will have to stand in in any forum,” Ruto noted.
Ruto Warning to Diplomats
Additionally, the President said the government will ensure ambassadors are held accountable for the use of funds allocated to embassies.
Also Read: Gachagua Revisits His Inauguration Speech on Kenya’s Economy
Meanwhile the statehouse function hosted by President William Ruto was attended by 27 new ambassadors and high commissioners, 2 consul generals and 12 deputy heads of mission.
Furthermore, the head of state urged the ambassadors to be ready to “step up and represent the country abroad” as the government cuts down on foreign travel.
Diplomats Asked to Maintain the Interest of Kenya
Likewise, he asked the diplomats to proactively protect and advance the interests of Kenyans in their countries of designation.
The President further noted that it is the responsibility of the ambassadors to look after Kenyans operating in the countries they are posted.
In addition, the Head of State called on the ambassadors to explore new business opportunities for Kenyans abroad and promote Kenya as an ideal investment destination.
At the same time, he said they must emulate foreign ambassadors in Kenya who go out of their way to promote the interests of their countries and their people.
“It is my expectation that you will cultivate relations that foster the interests of the Republic of Kenya,” he added.
President Ruto Inclusivity Call
Meanwhile Ruto urged the diplomats not to shy away from making tough decisions “as long as it is done in good faith”, adding that the “culture of blame game must stop”.
Quoting American author on leadership John Maxwell, President Ruto said: “The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.”
He assured the envoys of his support and that of the government as they embarked on their tour of duty.
Similarly in the interest of equality and inclusivity Ruto asked the diplomats to serve all Kenyans equally irrespective of their political, community or religious backgrounds.
“I have not appointed any one of you to represent your family, your village, your community or your region. You are going to represent Kenya,” he said.
Bilateral Relations Between Kenya and Foreign Countries
President Ruto noted that the stature of Kenya has tremendously grown in the last year thanks to the country’s robust advocacy of global issues.
Also Read: Ruto Jets Back Quietly After Dubai, India Trips
He told the ambassadors to live up to the expectations of the global community and represent the country adequately on the global stage.
Present at the function were Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei and Foreign Service Academy Director-General Kirimi Kaberia, among other officials.
Notably, the new envoys have undergone intensive training at the Foreign Service Academy – of the State Department of Foreign Affairs – since they were vetted and approved by the National Assembly.
