Kenya has sought to ease tensions with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following concerns raised over Nairobi’s decision to nominate a Consul-General to Goma without prior consultations.
On 15 August 2025, President William Ruto announced the nomination and redeployment of ambassadors, high commissioners, consuls general and deputy heads of mission to 20 posts worldwide, including Goma.
However, on 16 March, Kinshasa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie formally protested the move, citing the lack of engagement before the announcement.
In a statement on Monday, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi clarified that a presidential nomination does not automatically constitute a diplomatic posting.
He noted that once Parliament approves the nominees, Kenya will seek agrément or acceptance from host countries. In the case of Goma, this will also require an exequatur or official authorization from the DRC before duties can begin.
Mudavadi stressed that the process is anchored in Article 132 of the Constitution, which empowers the President to nominate, appoint, or dismiss diplomatic representatives subject to parliamentary approval.
He described the latest realignment in Kenya’s foreign service as an effort to enhance efficiency and strengthen delivery in line with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda, not as a move influenced by geopolitics.
He added that he had spoken with his DRC counterpart, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, to clarify Kenya’s position.
Kenya and DRC have enjoyed close diplomatic ties since the 1960s and currently maintain missions in both capitals. DRC has operated a consulate in Mombasa since 2023, while Kenya inaugurated its own consulate in Goma in 2022.
Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s respect for DRC’s sovereignty and its commitment to regional peace efforts, including the joint East African Community, SADC and African Union initiative in eastern Congo.
