Kenyans with Dual Citizenship Locked Out of Diplomatic Jobs
President Kenyatta has signed the Foreign Service Bill, 2021 into law.
The Foreign Service Act bars Kenyans holding dual citizenship from serving in diplomatic positions unless they relinquish the foreign one. Section 23 of the new law stipulates that heads of missions abroad or consuls-general must not hold dual or multiple nationalities.
“A person nominated for appointment…shall be a citizen of the Republic of Kenya and shall not during the duration of their appointment be a citizen of another country,” it states.
National Assembly’s Defense and Foreign Relations Committee, which sponsored the bill, argues that the law will professionalize diplomatic service.
“The objective of the bill is to provide for the establishment, management, administration, accountability, and functioning of a professional foreign service,” the committee said.
The act states that ambassadors, special envoys, consular officials, and honorary-consuls will constitute foreign service which will be headed by the Cabinet Secretary.
It requires career diplomats to have served within the Foreign Affairs Ministry for a minimum of 10 years, and where one is not a career diplomat, they must have at least 10 years experience in public affairs or be suited for training.
The law also creates a Foreign Service Academy to undertake training and programs aimed at enhancing the skills, capacity, and professionalism of officers in the service.
The enactment of the law follows the controversial appointment of Kenyan-American Mwende Mwinzi as Kenya’s ambassador to South Korea.
MPs insisted that Mwende must relinquish her US citizenship before taking up the role, citing section 31(1) of the Leadership and Integrity Act, which bars persons with dual citizenship from holding State offices unless they renounce one.
But the High Court ruled that Mwende cannot be forced to renounce her US citizenship, with Justice James Makau noting that an ambassador is not a State officer, but a public officer.
Mwende assumed the position in February this year, nearly two years after her nomination by President Kenyatta. MPs maintain her appointment was irregular.
Comments
Well! I see nothing wrong…
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Well! I see nothing wrong with any Kenyan holding a diplomatic job while maintaining a sue citizenship! The MPs are just jealousy of those with sue citizenship! The don’t want completion!!
All diplomats should have a…
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In reply to Well! I see nothing wrong… by Ali (not verified)
All diplomats should have a security clearance and none should be issued to non-Kenyan or anyone who has duo citizenship as they hold allegiance to another country.
Conflict of interest is a major issue no matter how well intentioned you are as a Kenyan with duo citizenship
SERIOUSLY, DIDN'T UHURUS…
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SERIOUSLY, DIDN'T UHURUS GIRLFRIEND JUST GET A JOB??
WHAT ARE WE ALL READING ??
LET ME PONDER ON THIS, BUT THIS IS STUPIDITY AT IT'S BEST.
sounds fair enough. you cant…
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sounds fair enough. you cant be a citizen of 2 countries and vie for the president in either. yani this would live a possibility of one being a president of 2 countries. make up your mind and choose one. im directing this straight to miguna miguna.who by the way i support, yes a kikuyu supporting you miguna. i support you because kenya needs a total man. someone who says south is north and north is south and everyone goes by that. so when the same mans says ufisadi kwisha. you can take that to the bank. to deal with serious illness you need serious medicine. peace, freedom, riches development; are not free. there is always a price to pay.
Which Miguna loves more?…
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Which Miguna loves more?
Negro land or cananda?
It's a fact America Will not…
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It's a fact
America Will not tolerate any dual citizenship to be their diplomat
One has to be relinquished
To reliable
Otherwise some foreigners with EVIL intent can abuse through naturalization.
Not about Miguna
Miguna is not in threat
Assylum seekers don't go to place ment to be dangerous
It will be abused by Asians,…
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It will be abused by Asians, Europeans, AMERICANs
If left void
It will be abused by Asians,…
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It will be abused by Asians, Europeans, AMERICANs
If left void
Boundaries need to be set ..
NOT ABOUT MIGUNA AS BAD FOREIGNERS CAN ABUSE SAME LAW
DUAL CITIZENSHIP
AMERICA MAKE ALL THIER CITIZENS PAY TAXES EVEN WHEN IN DENMARK
THAT ONE REASON ALOT OF AMERICANS REVOKE THEIR CITIZENSHIP TO BE FUNCTIONAL IN OTHER LANDS ONCE ACQUIRED ANOTHER ONE.
MIGUNA AND MACOW ARE LEARNED…
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MIGUNA AND MACOW ARE LEARNED FOOLS WITH NEGROE INFERIORITY COMPLEX
I think the law as written…
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I think the law as written is fair-relinquish one (I hope upon nomination and confirmation) to ensure single (hopefully) allegiance. Am assuming one should be able to reclaim the duality after the service. Israel allows this and and I remember at one time, the Israel ambassador in the US had a US and Israel citizenship -albeit not simultaneously!
Still waiting for a Bill to…
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Still waiting for a Bill to prosecute corruption instead of this nonsense mafi ha kuku side shows.
Am so Sad now Miguna×2…
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Am so Sad now Miguna×2 cannot run for President. Am so sad
The only position that…
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The only position that should be OUT OF BOUNDS for duo Citizens is the PRESIDENT of the Country PERIOD!
The only position that…
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The only position that should be OUT OF BOUNDS for duo Citizens is the PRESIDENT of the Country PERIOD!
Chameleon aka double agent…
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Chameleon aka double agent has no place. Tangaza msimamo.
Personally, I don't see why…
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In reply to Chameleon aka double agent… by Shiba inu (not verified)
Personally, I don't see why one would wish to be a diplomat for the Kenya government. Outside of collecting checks, what do they do? I do wonder why this same government and the lawmakers are so greedy for our money.
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