Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS Mudavadi receives report on diplomatic privileges review

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has received a comparative study report on the administration and management of diplomatic privileges and immunities across United Nations duty stations, in a move aimed at strengthening Kenya’s position as a leading global diplomatic hub.

The report, compiled by an interagency team coordinated by the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir Sing’oei, outlines key recommendations designed to improve the welfare, efficiency, and working conditions of the UN system and the wider diplomatic community in Kenya.

According to the Ministry, the findings will guide reforms intended to enhance Kenya’s attractiveness as a preferred destination for United Nations agencies, diplomatic missions, intergovernmental bodies, and international organisations, particularly as Nairobi continues to expand its role as a global diplomatic centre.

Mudavadi said the recommendations would have far-reaching implications for the country’s future diplomatic and economic positioning, stressing the need for careful implementation.

“The outcome and how we implement these recommendations will have far-reaching implications to our country moving into the future. We must be thorough and get it right,” he said.

Kenya is also seeking to deepen its partnership with the United Nations, which is expanding its footprint in Nairobi, including plans to establish major global offices for UNICEF, UNFPA, and UN Women. Officials say the developments reinforce Nairobi’s growing status as a UN logistics and humanitarian hub.

Mudavadi noted that Kenya’s hosting of UN agencies is a strategic asset, pointing out that other countries are also competing to attract similar institutions.

“If you want to know that the UN means something, then ask yourself why other countries, including our neighbours, are eyeing it. It is because they know it is an asset, and so we need to appreciate that there is value for having them here in Kenya,” he said.

The study is expected to guide a review of Kenya’s legal and administrative framework governing diplomatic privileges and immunities, in line with Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025, which has already been approved by Parliament following Cabinet endorsement. Mudavadi confirmed that the review of the Privileges and Immunities Act is now a formal government obligation.

As part of implementation, the Prime CS directed relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to work in coordination with clear timelines ahead of the proposed first Diplomatic Conference on the administration and management of privileges and immunities, scheduled for June 2026 in Kenya.

He commended the interagency team led by Amb. Daniel Wambura, Deputy Director General in the Privileges and Immunities Directorate, for the comprehensive work.

The team drew membership from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Kenya Revenue Authority, State Department for Immigration, Kenya Airports Authority, National Transport and Safety Authority, and the Diplomatic Police Unit.

The meeting was attended by senior officials including Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNEP Dr. Ida Odinga, Amb. Josphat Maikara, Director General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs, Evelyn Cheluget, Director General for Immigration, Dr. Rose Koros of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and Dr. Resila A. Onyango, Commandant of the Diplomatic Police Unit, among others.