State Department for Foreign Affairs Champions Wellness and Institutional Excellence

The State Department for Foreign Affairs today marked its annual Staff Wellness Day at Ulinzi Sports Centre in Lang’ata, Nairobi, under the theme “Healthy Workforce, Stronger Diplomacy.” The event brought together ministry personnel for a day dedicated to promoting physical fitness, mental health, emotional well-being, and financial literacy. A guided yoga session facilitated by the High Commission of India, followed by energizing aerobics and team-building activities, set a vibrant tone for the day.

Speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary, Amb. Lucy Kiruthu underscored the Ministry’s commitment to employee wellness, emphasizing that diplomacy requires not only intellectual capacity but also physical and emotional strength. She noted that a resilient workforce is central to the effective delivery of Kenya’s foreign policy goals. The Director of Administration, Ms. Stella Langat, echoed this sentiment, highlighting wellness as a strategic pillar in improving service delivery.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, joined the celebrations and used the occasion to highlight key milestones, including the successful gazettement and formal adoption of Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025, an instrumental policy document shaping Kenya’s foreign relations strategy.

H.E. Mudavadi also reaffirmed a bold policy shift aimed at ensuring that 70% of Kenya’s diplomats are homegrown, an initiative set to deepen institutional knowledge, nurture professional growth, and enhance the long-term sustainability of the foreign service. He emphasized that investing in both wellness and human capital development is essential to building a globally respected diplomatic corps.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing distinguished staff and high-performing directorates for their exemplary contributions. As the Ministry continues to embed wellness into its culture, the day served as a powerful reminder that nurturing a healthy and engaged workforce is vital for diplomatic excellence.