The International Relations Society of Kenya has endorsed the proposed law seeking to limit political appointments in the foreign service, urging Parliament to fast-track its tabling for debate.
Through a press release on Thursday, IRSK said the Foreign Service (Amendment) Bill, 2026, is a timely intervention aimed at enhancing professionalism and merit-based practice in Kenya’s international engagements.
The Bill proposes to amend the Foreign Service Act by introducing a clear ratio requiring that at least 70 per cent of ambassadors, high commissioners and permanent representatives be drawn from career diplomats, while capping non-career appointees at 30 per cent.
IRSK said the move would help align diplomatic appointments with the policy direction outlined in Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025 on Kenya’s Foreign Policy, which calls for the gradual professionalisation of the country’s foreign service.
“The Bill offers a concrete opportunity to elevate professionalism, improve Kenya’s international representation, and anchor ambassadorial appointments more firmly in national interest,” the society said.
The endorsement adds institutional backing to a proposal that could significantly reshape how Kenya deploys its top envoys abroad, in a system long criticised for accommodating political loyalists and former politicians.
Currently, the law requires a “fair balance” between career and non-career diplomats, a provision that IRSK says has been open to wide interpretation, often resulting in inconsistent outcomes.
The proposed amendment seeks to replace that ambiguity with a defined statutory threshold, aimed at enhancing transparency, predictability and accountability in the appointment process.
The society argued that modern diplomacy demands specialised expertise across areas such as trade, security, regional cooperation and multilateral engagement—competencies more likely to be found within the ranks of trained diplomats.
“In this context, we support a framework that prioritises merit, expertise and national interest over political expediency,” the statement said.
The Bill is sponsored by Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna as part of broader efforts to strengthen Kenya’s global competitiveness and institutional capacity in foreign relations.
IRSK also called for expedited tabling signals growing urgency among policy experts to push the reforms inn Kenya’s diplomacy space.
However the proposal could face resistance from sections of the political class, given that diplomatic postings have traditionally served as avenues for rewarding allies or accommodating leaders who lose elections.
While the Bill does not eliminate political appointments altogether, the proposed 70:30 ratio would significantly narrow the space available for such placements, potentially altering long-standing political dynamics around ambassadorial nominations.
At the same time, supporters argue that a more professionalised foreign service would enhance Kenya’s credibility on the global stage, improve continuity in diplomatic engagement, and strengthen the country’s ability to navigate increasingly complex international issues.
IRSK said it remains ready to provide technical and professional input during the legislative process, expressing hope that the Bill will attract broad support from diplomats, foreign policy experts and the public.
