What is the main change in this bill?

It sets a 70-30 split favoring career diplomats over non-career appointees for top diplomatic posts and adds a ten-year service requirement to the definition of career diplomat.

How does this affect diplomatic appointments?

Future nominations for ambassadors and high commissioners must follow the new 70 percent career and 30 percent non-career limit while still reflecting Kenya's diversity.

Does the bill cost the government extra money?

No, the bill states it will not require additional public funds.

Who is considered a career diplomat under the new rules?

An officer eligible for senior posts who has served in the Ministry for at least ten years.

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Foreign Affairs

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Foreign Service (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

4w agoClosing: in 3w

Amends rules to ensure at least 70 percent of top diplomatic posts go to career diplomats with ten years of service.

Key Points

Increase the share of career diplomats in senior foreign postings to 70 percent
Limit non-career diplomats to 30 percent of nominations for ambassadors and similar roles
Clarify that a career diplomat must have at least ten years of service in the Ministry
Maintain requirements for gender, regional, and diversity balance in appointments

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Policy Documents

THE FOREIGN SERVICE (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2026.pdf

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