The State Department for Foreign Affairs has announced the appointment of Ms. Severine Luyali as the new Chief of Protocol, marking a key leadership transition within the ministry. Ms. Luyali takes over from Ambassador Henry Wambuma, who has been deployed to Burundi to serve as Kenya’s ambassador.
The appointment was formally communicated this week, underscoring the ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Kenya’s diplomatic corps and enhance the management of state protocol, which plays a central role in the country’s foreign relations.
A Veteran Diplomat
Ms. Luyali brings with her 25 years of experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she has served in multiple capacities across both headquarters and Kenya’s foreign missions. Her long-standing career has exposed her to a wide spectrum of diplomatic and administrative responsibilities, making her one of the ministry’s most experienced protocol officers.
According to the department, Ms. Luyali’s appointment reflects both institutional continuity and technical depth, ensuring that Kenya’s diplomatic engagements continue to be managed with precision and decorum.
In her previous roles, Ms. Luyali has been instrumental in coordinating state visits, managing high-level international conferences hosted in Nairobi, and liaising with foreign embassies on protocol and ceremonial matters. Colleagues describe her as a meticulous and disciplined diplomat with a strong command of both bilateral and multilateral engagement protocols.
“Ms. Luyali possesses a comprehensive understanding of institutional structures, a strong dedication to international engagement, and a profound grasp of diplomatic protocol,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Role of the Chief of Protocol
The Office of the Chief of Protocol, a critical directorate within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is responsible for overseeing state, ceremonial and diplomatic functions involving the President, visiting heads of state, and accredited diplomatic missions.
The office coordinates presentation of credentials, official visits, state banquets, and national-day celebrations, ensuring adherence to international norms and customs. It also serves as the principal liaison between the Government of Kenya and the diplomatic community based in Nairobi.
With Ms. Luyali’s appointment, the department is expected to sustain Kenya’s reputation for efficiency and hospitality in hosting international dignitaries and managing state events — a hallmark of the country’s foreign-policy tradition since independence.
Tribute to Ambassador Wambuma
Deputy Chief of Protocol Mr. Samson Koech led the ministry staff in expressing appreciation to Ambassador Henry Wambuma for his dedicated service during his tenure. Amb. Wambuma is credited with guiding numerous high-level events, including visits by heads of state and international summits hosted in Nairobi, as well as strengthening ties between the ministry and the diplomatic corps.
“Ambassador Wambuma’s professionalism and steady leadership have left a lasting mark on the department,” Mr. Koech said. “We extend our gratitude for his commitment and wish him success as he represents Kenya in Burundi.”
Amb. Wambuma’s deployment to Bujumbura comes at a time when Kenya continues to deepen relations with the East African Community (EAC) partner states. His new posting is expected to build on Kenya’s ongoing engagement in regional peace, trade and integration efforts.
A New Chapter in Protocol Leadership
For Ms. Luyali, the new role represents both a personal milestone and a professional responsibility to uphold Kenya’s longstanding diplomatic traditions. In a brief handover ceremony, she expressed her gratitude for the trust placed in her and reaffirmed her dedication to serving with excellence.
“It is an honour to take up this responsibility at a time when Kenya’s global engagements are expanding,” she said. “The protocol department plays a vital role in ensuring that our diplomacy is both dignified and effective. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to advance that mission.”
Mr. Koech assured her of his full cooperation and support, noting that teamwork and precision would continue to define the department’s work.
The ministry’s leadership has in recent months emphasised professional development, merit-based advancement, and mentorship for mid-career diplomats — reforms aimed at ensuring Kenya’s foreign-service officers are equipped for an increasingly complex international environment.
Broader Context: Renewed Focus on Diplomatic Excellence
The leadership transition at the Protocol Directorate comes amid a broader realignment within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as Kenya seeks to enhance its global footprint through proactive diplomacy and strategic partnerships.
Under the ongoing foreign-policy strategy, the ministry has prioritised economic diplomacy, peace and security, and regional integration, while continuing to champion multilateralism at the United Nations and African Union. Efficient protocol management — encompassing official visits, credentialing, and ceremonial coordination — is essential to sustaining Kenya’s credibility and visibility in global forums.
Observers note that the choice of an experienced insider such as Ms. Luyali reflects confidence in institutional memory and continuity at a time of dynamic diplomatic activity.
Kenya’s hosting of major events — from UN summits to high-profile international conferences — requires a seasoned team capable of meticulous planning and flawless execution. The Chief of Protocol’s office is central to that mission, ensuring Kenya’s engagements remain orderly, dignified and reflective of its growing stature on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
With Ms. Luyali at the helm, the Protocol Directorate is expected to focus on modernising service delivery, strengthening coordination with foreign missions, and integrating new technologies in diplomatic communications and event management.
Her appointment also reinforces the ministry’s ongoing commitment to gender inclusivity in leadership, with women now holding several senior positions across Kenya’s diplomatic and consular network.
As Ambassador Wambuma begins his assignment in Burundi, and Ms. Luyali assumes her new portfolio in Nairobi, both diplomats are seen as integral to Kenya’s evolving foreign-policy framework — one anchored on professionalism, partnership, and global engagement.
