Newly appointed Kenyan diplomats to learn the art of formal dining
The ambassadors will undergo training on dining etiquette
The dining etiquette is part of an intensive training program to be undertaken by the diplomats which also encompasses protocol in diplomatic service, rules and regulations for international relations and how to communicate.
"The three months training is very intensive and it entails things like etiquette and protocol in diplomatic service, rules and regulations for international relations and how to communicate. Some of them come from a political culture and we have to assist them adjust to this new role," said Ambassador Solomon Nabukwesi who heads the academy in Nairobi.
The ambassadors, who are often used to buffets where they carry plates and serve themselves as per their capacity, must learn that all food is to be served from the kitchen during the formal diners.
They will also be trained at the Foreign Service Academy on which side their spouses should sit in the car or functions and walk.
The academy teaches them what to expect in the countries they are going to serve, sell Kenya, protect Kenyan investments and look after the welfare of Kenyans living in those countries.
President Uhuru Kenyatta last month deployed the ambassadors to head a number of Kenyan embassies having demoted them from their ministerial posts.
They include former Cabinet Secretaries Dan Kazungu (Tanzania) replacing Ambassador Chirau Mwakwere who resigned to venture into politics, Kiema Kilonzo to Uganda to replace Maj-Gen (Rtd) Kanga, Hassan Wario (Austria) is set to take over from Michael Oyugi, Willy Bett who is the nominee for High Commission in India is to take over from Florence Weche.
Others are Judy Wakhungu (France) to replace Salma Ahmed, Phylis Kandie (Belgium and European Union)to replace Johnson Weru, Sicily Kariuki (Kenya UN representative to Geneva), Jacob Kaimenyi (UNESCO in Paris), Lazarus Amayo who has been Kenya's envoy to the UK was nominated to the Permanent Mission of the UN in New York.
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