Prime Cabinet Secretary
Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, EGH
Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs
Provides overall policy and political leadership of the Ministry and represents Kenya at the highest level.
About the Ministry
Kenya's voice in the world.
The Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs projects, promotes and protects Kenya's interests abroad, advancing diplomacy, trade and peace, and serving Kenyans wherever they are.
75
Missions worldwide
5
Pillars of foreign policy
1963
Serving since independence
UNON
UN HQ in Nairobi: UNEP, UN-Habitat and a growing UN hub
Our mandate
What the Ministry does
We lead Kenya's diplomatic relations and coordinate the country's engagement with the world, from bilateral partnerships and multilateral forums to trade, treaties, protocol and the care of Kenyans overseas.
"To project, promote and protect Kenya's interests and image globally, and to serve Kenyans everywhere through professional diplomacy."Our mission
Diplomatic relations
Managing Kenya's bilateral and multilateral ties across every region.
Economic diplomacy
Opening markets and attracting trade, investment and tourism.
Consular services
Protecting and assisting Kenyans abroad, 24 hours a day.
Diaspora engagement
Connecting Kenyans overseas as partners in development.
Protocol & treaties
Accreditation, privileges and Kenya's international agreements.
Missions abroad
A global network of embassies, high commissions and consulates.
Ministry leadership
Meet the full leadership →Who leads the Ministry
The political and administrative heads who direct Kenya's diplomacy at home and across our missions abroad.
Principal Secretary
Dr. Korir Sing'Oei, EBS
State Department for Foreign Affairs
Administrative head of the department, leading diplomatic relations and the global network of missions.
Vision & values
What we stand for
Our vision: a globally competitive and prosperous Kenya, well represented and respected in the community of nations. These values guide every mission and every officer.
01
Patriotism
Putting Kenya's national interest first in everything we do.
02
Professionalism
Skilled, courteous and reliable service at home and abroad.
03
Integrity
Honesty, transparency and accountability to the public.
04
Diligence
Dedicated, timely and thorough in serving citizens.
05
Innovation
Modern, digital-first diplomacy and citizen services.
06
Teamwork
One Ministry, working together across the globe.
Foreign policy
The five pillars of Kenya's foreign policy
Kenya's engagement with the world rests on five connected pillars. Select one to learn more.
01
Economic diplomacy
Growing trade, investment, tourism and jobs for Kenyans by opening new markets, attracting partners and championing Kenyan business on the world stage.
02
Peace diplomacy
Advancing regional stability, mediation and security cooperation across the Horn of Africa and the wider continent, a long-standing role for Kenya as a peacemaker.
03
Environmental diplomacy
Championing climate action and green growth. Nairobi hosts the global headquarters of UN Environment (UNEP) and UN-Habitat, a unique platform for Kenya's leadership.
04
Cultural diplomacy
Sharing Kenya's heritage, sport, music and creativity to build understanding, goodwill and people-to-people ties across borders.
05
Diaspora diplomacy
Connecting, protecting and mobilising Kenyans abroad as valued partners in national development, through registration, services and investment channels.
Our story
Milestones in Kenyan diplomacy
Six decades of diplomacy, from independence and a seat at the United Nations to a global network serving Kenyans everywhere.
Independence & a seat at the table
Kenya gains independence, joins the United Nations and opens its first diplomatic missions abroad.
Founding a united Africa
A founding member of the Organisation of African Unity, today's African Union, and a champion of Pan-African cooperation.
The world comes to Nairobi
Nairobi becomes home to the UN Office at Nairobi (UNON), host to the global headquarters of UN Environment (UNEP) and later UN-Habitat, the only UN headquarters in the Global South and a hub that keeps growing.
On the Security Council
Kenya serves a two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, advocating for African priorities.
A global network
75 embassies, high commissions and consulates carry Kenya's diplomacy and serve its people worldwide.
Structure
How the State Department is organised
The State Department leads Kenya's foreign relations, protects Kenyans abroad and advances trade, treaties and protocol. It works under political leadership from the Prime Cabinet Secretary and administrative direction from the Principal Secretary, through specialised directorates, regional desks and the global mission network.
Political leadershipPrime Cabinet SecretaryPolicy and political direction of the Ministry
Administrative headPrincipal SecretaryRuns the State Department and the mission network
Directorates
Director
Political & Diplomatic Affairs
Bilateral relations and diplomatic engagement across regions.
Director
Economic Diplomacy & International Trade
Trade, investment and commercial promotion abroad.
Chief of State Protocol
State Protocol
Accreditation, privileges and immunities of the diplomatic corps.
Director
Legal Affairs & Treaties
International law and Kenya's treaty commitments.
Director
Consular & Diaspora Affairs
Services and protection for Kenyans living and working abroad.
Director
Foreign Service Academy
Training and professional development for Kenya's diplomats.
Director
Administration & Finance
Corporate services supporting headquarters and missions.
Regional desks
75 missions worldwideEmbassies, high commissions & consulates →AfricaAsia & PacificAmericasEuropeMiddle East
Service Charter
Our commitments to you
We hold ourselves to clear, published standards. These are the timelines you can expect for our most-used services.
| Service | Standard | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Travel Document | 1 working day | Fee applies |
| Document attestation & legalisation | ~5 days | Fee applies |
| Consular assistance in distress | 24/7 response | Free |
| Diaspora registration | Instant, online | Free |
| General enquiries | Within 2 working days | Free |
Every service page carries a last-updated date and its Charter commitment. For the full Service Charter, fees and timelines, visit the Help centre.
Get in touch with the Ministry
Reach our contact centre, find your nearest mission, or explore what to know before visiting Kenya.