The 2025 Kenya Diplomatic Awards concluded on a high note at the Best Western Premier Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi, recognizing exceptional contributions to diplomacy and international relations while placing a spotlight on the transformative role of women in shaping Africa’s diplomatic landscape.
Organized by the International Relations Society of Kenya (IRSK) in partnership with COMESA and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the awards ceremony took place ahead of the highly anticipated COMESA Heads of State Summit happening today at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.
The awards recognized outstanding individuals and institutions across six categories, with a particular emphasis on celebrating women’s leadership in international affairs.
Justice (Rtd.) Effie Owuor received the Peace Diplomacy Award for her impactful efforts in fostering peace and security. Justice Owuor, who serves as Chairperson of the African Union Panel of the Wise, has been instrumental in conflict prevention and resolution across the continent.
In a landmark moment for gender representation, H.E. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), was honored with the Women in Diplomacy Award. The award celebrates exceptional women diplomats who demonstrate exemplary leadership, promote international cooperation, and foster mutual understanding among nations. During the ceremony, Bangura’s powerful statement – “Always be at the decision-making table” – resonated as a rallying call for emerging female diplomats.
Dr. Sally Kosgei, Kenya’s first woman Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her enduring legacy and significant impact through decades of diplomatic service. Dr. Kosgei’s groundbreaking career has paved the way for countless women in Kenya’s foreign service.
The European Union’s envoy to Kenya, Ambassador Henriette Geiger was honored with the Economic Diplomacy Award for her initiatives promoting trade and investment, while the Refugee Consortium of Kenya received the Humanitarian Diplomacy Award for their impactful work in humanitarian diplomacy.
Dr. Vasu Goundan was also recognized with the Contribution to African Diplomacy Award for his outstanding contributions to advancing diplomacy across the continent.
The awards ceremony was preceded by the historic launch of the African Women in Diplomacy and International Affairs (AWIDIA) Initiative, marking what was described as a turning point for gender inclusion in African diplomacy.
AWIDIA aims to champion gender parity in international relations by building a powerful network for African women professionals to amplify their voices, drive research, and shape foreign policy with a gendered lens. The initiative received strong support from the Australian High Commission, whose partnership helped bring the vision to life.
Key speakers at the launch included Roseline Kathure Njogu, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Justice Owuor, Amb. Bangura and Dr. Kosgei. Their personal stories and visionary leadership inspired participants to push for greater inclusion and representation in diplomatic spaces.
The awards took place as part of the 2025 IRSK Annual Conference, held from October 1st – 3rd, under the theme Enhancing COMESA’s Strategic Positioning and Resilience in the Global Arena. The conference brought together distinguished diplomats, policymakers, scholars, and experts to deliberate on the future of regional integration as COMESA marks its 30th anniversary.
Dr. Kizito Sabala, Chairman of the Kenya Diplomatic Award Committee of Judges, provided opening remarks, while Dr. Oita Etyang, Head of Governance, Peace and Security at COMESA, delivered the welcome address.
The 2025 Kenya Diplomatic Awards not only celebrated individual excellence but also sent a powerful message about the future of African diplomacy – one that must be inclusive, strategic and driven by diverse voices. With four of the six awards recognizing women’s contributions, the ceremony underscored that gender perspectives are not peripheral but central to effective diplomatic practice.
As COMESA enters its fourth decade and Africa navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, the leaders honored at this ceremony represent the vision, commitment, and transformative leadership required to position the continent strategically on the world stage.
