Newly Appointed Kenyan Ambassadors to Undergo Lessons on How to Eat, Dress While Serving Abroad

Seven ambassadors recently appointed by President Kenyatta will reportedly be taken through the art of "formal dining" before they fly out of the country to assume their duties.

The seven, who are not career diplomats, must first be taught that all food is to be served from the kitchen and are not supposed to pass dishes or handle serving platters during formal dinners, the Standard reports.

The seven, who served in President Kenyatta's first term cabinet include; Dan Kazungu (Tanzania), Hassan Wario (Austria), Willy Bett (India), Judy Wakhungu (France), Phylis Kandie (Belgium and European Union), Jacob Kaimenyi(UNESCO in Paris) and Cleopa Mailu (UN in Geneva, Switzerland).

Some of them will further be required to furnish their wardrobes with evening attires like tuxedos and white ties for the formal dining.

The new envoys will have lessons at the Foreign Service Academy to learn among others, which side their spouses should sit in the vehicle or functions and walk.

"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.

Further, the seven will be given attaches to aid them with the technical issues at the embassies. At the academy, they will learn what to expect in the foreign nations where they will be based, how to, sell Kenya, protect Kenyan interests and push for the welfare of Kenyans living in those countries.