Kenya’s diplomatic missions under review as MPs adopt oversight reports

The National Assembly's Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee has adopted reports on oversight visits to Kenya's embassies in the United Kingdom (UK), France, Morocco and Egypt, with the findings set to inform future policy, legislation and budgetary allocations for the country's diplomatic missions.

The reports, adopted on Thursday, pave the way for their tabling in the National Assembly when the House resumes from recess.

The oversight visits were undertaken as part of the Committee's 2025/2026 work plan to enable Members of Parliament (MPs) to gain a firsthand understanding of the operations of Kenya's diplomatic missions and assess their effectiveness in advancing the country's foreign policy objectives.

According to the Committee, the visits focused on evaluating the performance of the embassies in delivering consular services to Kenyans living abroad, promoting economic diplomacy, managing financial and physical resources, and addressing challenges affecting the efficient delivery of their mandate.

The interactions provided insight into Kenya’s foreign policy priorities and the role of diplomatic missions in safeguarding national interests, strengthening bilateral relations, attracting foreign investment, promoting trade and supporting Kenyans in the diaspora.

The Committee, led by Vice-Chairperson Abdullaih Bashir (Mandera North), said the findings and recommendations contained in the reports will be instrumental in shaping future interventions aimed at strengthening Kenya’s diplomatic presence abroad and improving service delivery to citizens living overseas.