PS Sing’Oei breaks silence on Kenya’s Morocco embassy crisis amid staff shortage claims

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has defended Kenya's embassy in Rabat, Morocco, amid allegations of operational issues. In response to a parliamentary report, Sing’Oei insisted the embassy is fully staffed and delivering diplomatic gains. The report highlighted staffing gaps and financial constraints, including a lack of a dedicated translator, a defense attaché, a foreign relations officer, and a clerk.

Sing’Oei argued that the embassy's diplomatic achievements demonstrate Kenya's effective engagement with Morocco. Since the mission's establishment two years ago, Kenya and Morocco have expanded their bilateral cooperation, signing 11 cooperation instruments covering various sectors. Sing’Oei also revealed discussions to strengthen bilateral air services, including resuming direct flights between Nairobi and Rabat.

The embassy currently has six home-based staff and eight locally engaged officers, but remains without several critical positions. The report warned that the staffing shortage had forced existing officers to perform multiple roles, straining the mission's operations. It also highlighted communication challenges due to the absence of a translator, forcing staff with basic language proficiency to handle complex diplomatic engagements.

While the government faces pressure to address the embassy's staffing and funding issues, Sing’Oei's remarks suggest the ministry believes the mission is functioning effectively despite the limitations.