Ruto's 'feminist foreign policy' spurs growth in women diplomats

Nearly two years into his presidency, William Ruto has consistently emphasised gender equality as a central focus of his administration.

He reiterated his commitment to advancing the socioeconomic and political inclusion of women in Kenya on the recent International Women's Day.

Ruto went further during the launch of the G7 strategy last week, promising that the ruling party would nominate a female presidential running mate in future elections, a pledge made in the presence of the seven elected women governors in Kenya.

Under Ruto's leadership, Kenya has witnessed significant strides towards implementing an informal 'feminist foreign policy', with women assuming key government positions.

While not formally introduced, this concept aims to promote gender equality and women's rights, increasing the number of Kenyan women serving as ministers, ambassadors, and consuls general.

The Kenyan leader last week appointed ten women envoys and six deputies to guard Kenya's interests abroad, out of the 43 diplomatic nominations he made as part of his second round of Foreign Service changes since he assumed power in September 2022.

Women emerged as the predominant beneficiaries on the list, either through nomination or appointment, with two poised to assume the role of ambassador at the foreign affairs headquarters in Kenya's capital, Nairobi.

The most notable appointment was Catherine Kirumba Karemu, widow of the late Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru, nominated as High Commissioner to the UK, succeeding Manoah Esipisu.

Karemu inherits a significant responsibility, filling the shoes of Esipisu, a seasoned diplomat and communicator who previously served as Presidential press secretary during Uhuru's Presidency.

London holds strategic importance for Kenya due to historical ties and has one of the largest mission budgets funded by the capital.

If confirmed, Karemu faces the daunting task of addressing longstanding challenges, particularly regarding British soldier's impunity in Kenya.

Despite Esipisu's tenure lasting almost six years, justice for Agnes Wanjiru, a Kenyan woman brutally murdered by British soldiers, remains elusive.

Former West Pokot Woman Rep Lilian Tomitom was nominated High Commissioner to Lusaka, Zambia, and she will succeed Flora Karugu.

Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Vice President Caroline Kamende Daudi was proposed as the High Commissioner, Ottawa, Canada while academician Anne Kisaka Nanguli was nominated to replace career diplomat Purity Muhindi in Dakar, Senegal.

Jessica Muthoni Gakinya was tapped from Safaricom and nominated as the inaugural ambassador in Rabat, Morocco.

If confirmed by the Kenyan parliament, Ms Gakinya will have a taste of Northern African geopolitics, navigating the longstanding feud between Morocco and its neighbour Algeria over Western Sahara.

Former Jubilee nominated MP and Chairperson of the Board of Tourism Regulatory Authority Halima Yusuf Mucheke will be the ambassador in the Hague, Netherlands; former Kilifi chief officer Evelyne Mwenda Karisa was nominated ambassador to Havana, Cuba, replacing Gathoga Chege, while lawyer Gertrude Angote of the Kituo cha Sheria will be Permanent Representative to UNEP based in Nairobi.

Grace Atieno Okara will be deployed as Permanent Representative (UN-Habitat), Fancy Too will be ambassador/permanent representative in Geneva, Switzerland, and former ANC nominated senator Petronila Were will be the deputy head of mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Rose Sumbeiywo will be deployed as deputy Head of Mission in Rome, Italy, Peris Kariuki will be in Brasilia, Brazil as deputy head of mission while Saadia Salim will be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in the same capacity.

Raila Odinga's sister Akinyi Walkowa Odinga will serve as the deputy head of mission at the Los Angeles Consulate, a station where her sister Dr. Wenwa Akinyi Odinga served as the consul general in 2009.

Beatrice Nyaboke Ombachi Karago was appointed to the rank of ambassador to be stationed at the foreign office as Director- Americas and Caribbean, a role she has already assumed, while Jane Makori will be the Deputy Director- Asia and the Pacific.

Caroline Mwende Mueke, an international civil servant was nominated to replace the embattled EAC Secretary General Peter Mathuki.

At the foreign affairs headquarters, Lucy Kiruthu is calling the shots as the fourth in command after Minister Musalia Mudavadi, his PS Korir Sing'oei and the Director General of Foreign Service, Political and Diplomatic Affairs.

She deputises the Director General, a role she has held since November last year.

At the Directorate level, Jackline Yonga who served as Kenyan ambassador to Italy is now the Director UN and Multilateral Affairs Directorate.

Her counterpart Jayne Toroitich is serving as the Director of the African Union, Regional and Continental Organisations Directorate while Rose Makena Muchiri was redeployed from UNEP and UNON as Permanent Representative to head the Europe and Commonwealth Directorate.

Lenah Nyambu is heading the crucial peace and security directorate, while Diana Kiambuthi is leading cultural diplomacy.

Severine Luyali is the director of International Conferences and Events. She took over from former TV journalist Isaiya Kabira who was demoted last year to parliamentary and county liaison affairs.

Margaret Gachuru is serving as Global Assets director while Jennifer Njiru is the staff welfare and wellness.

Dr Rosemary Anyona is serving as the Deputy Director of Foreign Service under the multilateral affairs, climate change and environment division while Mercy Atieno Odongo is serving in the same capacity in the office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.