British Embassy Recalls the 23-Year-Old Kenyan Who Won the 'Ambassador for a Day' Competition

British Embassy in Kenya on Thursday 12, May recognized Patience Achieng 's win in the British Embassy's 'Ambassador For a Day' competition in Kenya. 

The embassy expressed its admiration towards Achieng's perspective on gender, disability and equality. The twenty-three-year-old victory is attributed to her courage, audacity, and charisma. The British High Commission in Kenya launched the competition on International Women's Day to extend an opportunity for young women to experience the leadership skills grasped and utilized by diplomats. 

Achieng's win allowed her to act as an ambassador for a day, under the guidance of former High Commissioner Jane Marriott. The enthusiastic woman spent the day performing ambassadorial roles that exposed her to unlimited opportunities.  

 "I did not know what quite to expect as an Ambassador For the Day but I feel so excited and I am ready for this job. I spent the day with big personalities such as the UK envoy and many partners who are really passionate about people living with disability and some of whom I considered my dream employers," she said.

The student revealed that she suffered a stroke at 14 years, a condition which later plunged her into depression. Her parents arranged therapy sessions that helped her combat her despondency. The High Commission embarked on the Ambassador for a Day competition in March 2023, being the first of its kind in Kenya. Jane Marriott said the competition offers young women the opportunity to demonstrate leadership and push for change.