President Ruto Appoints Outgoing US Ambassador to Kenya Lazarus Amayo as AU Special Envoy

President William Ruto has unveiled a series of strategic appointments aimed at bolstering the nation's diplomatic endeavours and enhancing governance within the Executive Office.

President Ruto has designated Lazarus Amayo, the outgoing United States Ambassador to Kenya, as the Special Envoy of the African Union Champion for Institutional Reforms. This pivotal role will see Amayo collaborating closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and State Department for Foreign Affairs as well as other African Union institutions to drive President Ruto's unique mandate for institutional overhaul within the continental body. Amayo brings a wealth of diplomatic expertise to this position having previously served as Kenya's Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2018 to 2020 and as the High Commissioner of Kenya to the United Kingdom from 2014 to 2018.

Additionally, he held the prestigious position of Permanent Representative of Kenya to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Commonwealth. In another key appointment, Simon Mwangi Kamau has been named the new Deputy State House Comptroller following the approval of the Public Service Commission (PSC). Kamau's extensive background in law, management, strategic planning, and policy formulation makes him well-suited for this role. He holds a Master of Law degree from the University of Nairobi, a postgraduate diploma in law from the Kenya School of Law, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Makerere University in Uganda.

Furthermore, Kamau has completed postgraduate training in Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the renowned Manning School of Business, University of Massachusetts. Notably, Kamau previously served as the Secretary General of the Amani National Congress Party (ANC). President Ruto has expressed confidence that these newly appointed officials will make significant contributions towards achieving Kenya's shared aspirations for development and progress.