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"id": 1515117,
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Eldas, JP",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Adan Keynan",
"speaker": {
"id": 41,
"legal_name": "Adan Wehliye Keynan",
"slug": "adan-keynan"
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"content": " Thank you for giving me an opportunity to contribute to this very important Report. Diplomacy is, by definition, the art, science, and other means states use to interact with other nations to safeguard their national interests. That being the case, modern-day diplomacy was born out of the Vienna Convention of 1961. The convention also provided the basis for diplomatic engagement to promote, project and protect the interests of countries. During your time as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and when Amina took over later on, I am aware that we had, for the first time, adopted a written foreign policy that provided five pillars as the basis for our diplomatic engagements. They are peace diplomacy, economic diplomacy, diaspora diplomacy, environmental diplomacy, and cultural diplomacy. This being the basis of our foreign diplomatic pillars, what is an individual supposed to have? This is a specialised field, as individuals have alluded to. When appointed, you are first expected to be the interface between Kenya and your assigned country. Other than educational qualifications, there are basic things that we sometimes fail to appreciate. In the past and before the collapse or the end of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), diplomats used to be appointed purely on ideological persuasions. Things have changed today because economic diplomacy is the first thing in our engagements. As much as these three individuals are qualified, their first objective will be to pursue track one diplomacy, meaning state-to-state relations. However, there are other things that they are also expected to do through track two diplomacy. That is the role of non-state actors in our diplomatic engagements, particularly with the UN. As a former Cabinet Secretary and a parliamentarian, Hon. Ababu Namwamba is one of the most qualified individuals to represent Kenya at the UN. Although the role has been dispersed completely, this entity is the only one of its kind south of the Sahara. The functions of the UNEP that were supposed to be here have been dispersed to Spain, Portugal, and other countries. Just a few months ago, Kenya was given the status of being the only non-NATO allied member south of Sahara, the fourth in Africa. This is not a mean achievement. This comes with pride and prestige. Therefore, individuals appointed to these positions must first be educationally qualified. They must be individually spirited and ready to represent Kenya in all aspects of their international assignments. Thus it begs a question, and that is why I agree with the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations that there must be some engagements before individuals are assigned or nominated to these positions. Presidential appointments are very lucrative and important, so individuals should not turn down these offers at the last minute. I agree with the Chairman that in future before some of these individuals are nominated or assigned, they must have some informal interaction. This is what the Chairman has alluded to. It is the right thing to do. I know you are a product of this. The appointments come when Kenya is being challenged economically and politically on the global platform. These diplomats have to be prepared for very many issues. I agree with what Hon. Sunkuli said. Linguistic reference or preparedness is very important. When assigned, you are an intelligence officer, an economic representative, and a political representative. Knowing the language of the community where you are expected to serve is very important. I ask the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations and other Members to ensure that linguistic preparedness is a must for some of these individuals in the future. If posted to a Portuguese-speaking country, you must have the basics. If going to China, you must also have the basics. Otherwise, you will waste your first two years getting ready. That will be a waste of time. Terms will have changed, and your tour of duty will have almost ended when you have done nothing. I think this is a very important suggestion. It is not that we The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}