The 2nd annual International Relations Society of Kenya conference was successfully concluded in Nairobi, Kenya on 22nd November 2024.
The Conference ran for three days, from 20th November to 22nd November and featured high-level panels on climate change, regional integration, competition law within COMESA, peace and security within the region, and women and youth in diplomacy.
Several high-profile speakers graced the conference, including the Cabinet Secretary for EAC, Hon Beatrice Askul Moe, and the Australian High Commissioner to Kenya, HE Ms Jenny Da Rin and the German Ambassador to Kenya, HE Mr Sebastian Groth. The conference was supported by COMESA, the Africa Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes, the Australian and German diplomatic missions to Kenya, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, UNICAF, and the African Centre for the Study of the United States at the University of Witwatersrand.
The highlight of the conference was the inaugural diplomatic awards at the close of the conference.Olympian Tegla Lorupe was awarded for her role in championing peace among communities while Rtd Gen Lazarus Sumbeiywo was honoured for his work in regional peace efforts. Ambassador Erastus Mwencha was awarded for his efforts in economic diplomacy. Amb Mwencha was a long-serving COMESA Secretary General and is a former Deputy Chairman of the African Union Commission. COMESA Secretary General, Ms Chilshe Kapwepwe was honoured in the women in diplomacy category. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Diaspora Affairs Ms Roselyn Njogu was feted in the special recognition category for her role in championing diaspora diplomacy. Other winners were Ms Lydia Chege of Tree O’clock community based-organisation in the environmental diplomacy category. The United Asian Network rounded off the list of winners by scooping the Cultural diplomacy award.
We at Obonyo & Osiemo Advocates are proud to be associated with the IRSK Conference. The 2025 Edition promises to be bigger and better!
