BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The journey of the establishment of the Foreign Service Academy stated with the establishment of the Foreign Service Institute by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs vide Cabinet Memorandum No. 1/2006 with the objective of strengthening the Ministry’s human and institutional capacities in Foreign Policy research, analysis and monitoring. Over the years, the Academy continued to build linkages through Memorandum of Understanding As part of expanding linkages and learning best practices, the Foreign Service Academy signed a number of Memoranda of Understanding with like-minded local and foreign institutions. These partnerships accorded the Academy an opportunity to enrich its training of the staff of the Ministry.
To better respond to the changing diplomatic landscape, the Institute was transformed into an Academy in 2017 to offer targeted training opportunities. The Foreign Service Act 2021, which became operational on 7th December 2021, further provided for the transformation of the Academy into a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency (SAGA).
The Act stipulated the spirit and intention of the Academy and outlined its management by the Council of the Academy. As an important step towards full operationalization, the Council of the Academy was appointed in August 2024 as per the Act. The Academy, in its new status, is expected to operate and function as a body corporate entity with all powers to transact with perpetual succession and a common seal.
RATIONALE OF ESTABLISHMENT OF FOREIGN SERVICE ACADEMY
The main objective of establishing the Foreign Service Academy was and to
strengthen the Ministry’s Human Resource and institutional capacities on policy, research, analysis and monitoring the efficacy of Kenya’s Foreign Policy.
To respond to the ever changing diplomatic landscape, the Institute was transformed into an Academy in 2017 so as to offer targeted trainings as stated earlier. It is therefore, expected that the Academy Will Promote effective and innovative practices for high-quality teaching and learning in all aspects of diplomacy.
To deliver superior training, research and advisory services in the contemporary diplomacy, the Foreign Service Academy will continue promoting mutual beneficial and synergetic partnerships with relevant institutions both governmental and non-governmental.
Support the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs on professional development of the staff through training and enhancement of knowledge and skills in Diplomacy for effective representation.
MANDATE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE FOREIGN SERVICE ACADEMY
The mandate and objectives of the Academy are its guiding radar towards achieving its vision and mission of being a Centre of excellence for Foreign Policy Research, Policy Analysis and Diplomatic training and, to offer high quality Foreign Policy Research, Policy Analysis, Capacity Building and skills development for effective diplomacy respectively.
THE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OF THE ACADEMY:
To equip Foreign Service Officers and other public servants with requisite knowledge and skills for effective diplomatic engagements.
To establish and strengthen partnerships and collaborations with local and external partners.
To strengthen Foreign Policy formulation and implementation through effectiveForeign Policy research and Policy Analysis.