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Veteran diplomat Dr. Martin Kimani concluded his term as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) on May 13th, 2024.
Kimani, who served with distinction for over three years, expressed his gratitude to both former President Uhuru Kenyatta and current President William Ruto for entrusting him with this critical role. He highlighted his 12-year career dedicated to Kenyan diplomacy, counter-terrorism efforts, regional security, and mediation.
Kimani gained international recognition for his strong stance against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine during a UN Security Council meeting in February 2022. He urged for peaceful solutions and respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Prior to his UN appointment, Kimani served as the Director of Kenya’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre and held strategic positions in the President’s office. His extensive diplomatic experience includes representing Kenya at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). He also played a key role in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).
Kimani’s impressive academic credentials include degrees from the University of New Hampshire and King’s College London, specializing in War Studies. He will leverage his expertise as the new Executive Director of the Center on International Cooperation (CIC) at New York University, starting in June 2024.
President Ruto has nominated former Turkana County Speaker Erastus Lokaale as Kimani’s successor, subject to parliamentary approval.
Manoah Esipisu Ends Tenure as Kenya’s UK High Commissioner
Manoah Esipisu, former State House Spokesperson, concluded his tenure as Kenya’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom on Tuesday, marking the end of a distinguished six-year diplomatic service. Appointed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018, Esipisu made his departure known through a heartfelt post on social media from his residence at No. 45 Portland Place, London.
“Today I bid farewell to the famous No. 45 Portland Place London. Great staff. Great moments. A fine innings. Thanks to HE President William Ruto for retaining me in post and grateful for the opportunity to serve the government in diplomacy and communication,” Esipisu expressed, accompanied by photographs with his staff, capturing their final moments together.
Esipisu’s diplomatic career has been notable for its stability and recognition. Despite the political shifts following President William Ruto’s election in 2022, where many diplomats appointed by Uhuru Kenyatta were reassigned, Esipisu remained a constant, underscoring his proficiency and esteem in diplomatic circles. This retention was particularly significant given the political reshuffling common in diplomatic appointments, where incoming administrations often replace predecessors’ appointees with their own selections.
Further cementing his reputation, Esipisu was honored as the Diplomat of the Year at a ceremony in London this past April, an event organized by Diplomat Magazine celebrating its 14th anniversary. He was one of ten diplomats recognized, a testament to his exemplary performance. “To be performing at the highest level here is because of the support I have got from my colleagues at the Kenyan Mission and from my beautiful wife who is here and my family, and I want to thank them dearly for this,” Esipisu acknowledged during the awards ceremony.
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