Few Kenyans have successfully transitioned from the newsroom to the high levels of government and international diplomacy like Manoah Esipisu.
Manoah Esipisu has spent over 3 decades working in journalism, public communication and diplomacy, serving in roles that have placed him at the centre of national and international events.
Born and raised in western Kenya, Esipisu developed an early interest in governance, literature and public affairs. He studied Government and Literature at the University of Nairobi, later undertaking postgraduate studies in mass communication before earning a master’s degree in financial journalism and political economy from City, University of London.
Journey of Manoah Esipisu From Newsroom to International Institutions
His journalism career began at The Standard before he joined Reuters, where he spent more than a decade as a correspondent and editor covering some of Africa’s defining political, humanitarian and security events.
During his time at Reuters, Manoah Esipisu reported extensively from the Horn of Africa, Sudan and Somalia, while also covering the aftermath of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Reporting from conflict zones and politically sensitive regions exposed him to the complexities of governance, humanitarian crises and international relations, while bringing him into contact with presidents, ministers, diplomats, business leaders and policymakers from across the continent.
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The experience sharpened his understanding of African politics, economic development and global affairs, helping establish him as one of Kenya’s most respected international journalists.
After leaving Reuters, Esipisu transitioned into international public affairs by joining the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.
As spokesperson and communications official, he managed engagement with international media while supporting communication around Commonwealth programmes and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM), working with leaders from more than 50 member states.
His role at the Secretariat gave him extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy and strategic communication.
Manoah Esipisu later joined the African Development Bank (AfDB) as Public Affairs Adviser to then-President Don Kaberuka.
At the continental lender, he helped communicate the bank’s agenda on infrastructure development, regional integration, private sector growth and economic transformation across Africa.
Leading State House Communication and Representing Kenya Abroad
In 2014, Manoah Esipisu returned to Kenya after being appointed Head of the Presidential Strategic Communications Unit (PSCU) and spokesperson to President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The appointment placed him at the centre of government communication during a period marked by major infrastructure projects, regional diplomacy, devolution, economic reforms and national security issues.
As the President’s spokesperson, he became one of the administration’s figures, briefing local and international media, explaining government policy and coordinating strategic communication from State House.
In 2018, Esipisu was appointed Kenya’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, taking charge of one of Kenya’s most important diplomatic missions.
Based in London, he worked to strengthen trade and investment ties, promote tourism, expand education partnerships, enhance security cooperation and deepen engagement with the Kenyan diaspora. He also served as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and participated in Commonwealth governance structures, representing Kenya in key international discussions.
Manoah Esipisu remained High Commissioner for six years and was among the diplomats retained following the change of administration after the 2022 General Election.
In 2024, he received international recognition after being named Diplomat of the Year for Africa at the Diplomat Magazine Awards in London, and the award was voted for by diplomats accredited in the United Kingdom,
Esipisu concluded his diplomatic assignment later that year, ending a tenure that coincided with expanding cooperation between Kenya and the United Kingdom in trade, investment, education, security and maritime affairs.
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