Ambassador Amina Mohamed is the name. She served as Kenya’s first female Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
She went on to serve in the Education and Sports dockets in similar capacities during retired President Uhuru Kenyatta's tenure.
She prides herself as a woman of firsts, in the many capacities she has served in locally and internationally.
Amb. Mohamed also prides herself in service to humanity.
How did you navigate your role as the first female in various positions?
I was fortunate to have had a few unique opportunities, and yes there were several roles, I took up, that had not previously been held by women.
When I first joined the government as a legal/administrative officer, I was posted to the Ministry of Local Government and as it happened I was the first female legal officer to have been posted to a ministry that was considered very politically sensitive. I had to deal with politicians from the local authorities who were facing a multitude of complex political challenges for which we had no ready solution in our toolbox.
The next leadership positions I held were actually in Geneva during my stint as Kenya’s ambassador and permanent representative. At that time I was fortunate to have been selected by my peers to chair the three key organs of the WTO. The Trade Review Body, the Dispute Settlement Body and the General Council. I also coordinated and was the spokesperson of the African group in multiple organisations and spaces.
In 2008, I took up the position of permanent secretary in the Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs, and became almost immediately the first female president of the Conference on Transnational Crime in Vienna. After three years in the Ministry of Justice, I moved to the United Nations Environment Programme as assistant secretary general and deputy executive director.
In 2013, I was invited back into government as the first female Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. In that capacity, I was in charge of Trade and promoting investment flows. I chaired many global conferences as a female chair, in most cases the first time it had happened.
From TICAD to the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference in 2015, to UNCTAD XIV and others. I hold the record of being the first female and overall longest-serving Foreign minister from Independence to date. I subsequently moved to the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology; and the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage.
I am very proud to also be the first female chancellor of a university in Uganda. I am the chancellor of the International University of East Africa, an Institution that is renowned for innovation and technology.
How did it feel to leave the UN to join the government?
One’s journey has many twists and turns. In most cases, we don’t know what is around the corner. When I left the government, I did not intend or indeed expect to go back. I thought that part of my journey was over. But they say ‘Man proposes and God disposes’.
Apparently, I was not done. My entire raison d’être was public service and so when the call came to invite me back, I hesitated for just a moment. Serving your country is always special and I embraced fully the amazing opportunity that presented itself.
I had no regrets about leaving the United Nations to work for my country. My time at the UN provided me with a vast reservoir of knowledge, as well as a different and more nuanced perspective. It was an honour and a privilege to serve the entire universe at a senior level.
I was equally happy to apply the wealth of expertise and insights gained at the UN to the noble work of serving my homeland and use my networks also for that purpose.
What are the challenges you faced as Foreign Affairs Cabinet secretary?
Challenges in the workplace allow one to innovate. They open up opportunities for personal growth and team development, and as someone who believes in the pursuit of excellence, I couldn't recall a single moment or circumstance that I felt was a hindrance or an obstacle to the achievement of our objectives.
Each opportunity that presented itself was fully maximised and was used to reveal even more openings and possibilities for my country.
How was it planning and coordinating TICAD?
I played a central role in leading the first-ever Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD) in 2016.
As the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, at the time I led in the planning and coordination of the conference, working closely with the Japanese government, other African leaders as well as the Kenyan and African private sector.
A huge part of my role was to ensure the success of TICAD 2016, which aimed to promote sustainable development in Africa through partnerships with various stakeholders, including governments, international organisations, the private sector and civil society.
The hosting of TICAD in Nairobi, the first time on African soil, was a moment of great pride for Kenya and Africa. It gave a great burst of confidence to all of us and confirmed our capacity to host major events on behalf of our great continent.
We hoped it would be a moment of unity for Africa and of our commitment to our continental desire for great partnerships in our quest for sustainable economic growth.
You seem to have a very close relationship with Japan in many ways. Could you please tell us something about that?
Kenya's partnership with Japan, which began with independence, has always been results-driven, pragmatic and dynamic. There is a clear understanding of the goals set and what it will take to achieve them.
It is focused with a strong emphasis on staying the course and avoiding distractions. It is a partnership that delivers high-quality work and achieves milestones.
There is a constant exchange of ideas and energy, fostering innovation and growth. It is a great example of a relationship marked by mutuality of interest and a determination to transform, with a focus on infrastructure development, education, economic cooperation, food security, health cooperation, peacekeeping and security.
During my tenure as Cabinet Secretary for Education, I was fortunate enough to see history being made by spearheading a groundbreaking project in collaboration with the Japanese space agency.
My role in the successful launch of the University of Nairobi Nano Satellite marked a significant milestone in Kenya's scientific and technological advancements.
The project involved the development and deployment of a nanosatellite, a small satellite designed for specific scientific research and data-gathering purposes.
The University of Nairobi Nano Satellite, also known as 1KUNS-PF (First Kenya University Nano Satellite-Precursor Flight), was built by a team of Kenyan engineers and scientists. Through my leadership, I enabled the partnership with the Japanese space agency, which provided support and expertise in space technology.
The successful launch of the nanosatellite showcased Kenya's growing capabilities in space research and innovation, opening up new opportunities for scientific exploration and data collection.
This groundbreaking project had several objectives, including the enhancement of Kenya's capacity in space technology and fostering collaboration with international partners.
Tell us about the prestigious international awards you have bagged.
Indeed, I had the privilege to receive prestigious awards in recognition of my achievements and significant efforts in advancing bilateral relations and fostering cooperation between Kenya and Japan.
The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun award I received in 2017, conferred by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan is meant to signify the appreciation and deep respect for my work during my term of service.
It reflects the recognition of leadership, dedication and exceptional service in promoting cultural exchange, mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations. It further demonstrates my commitment to strengthening the diplomatic ties between Kenya and Japan and acknowledges my role in fostering closer collaboration in various fields, including trade, investment, education and cultural exchange.
Additionally, it is a significant honour that represents the deep friendship and respect between the Emperor of Japan and myself, and serves as a continuous reminder of the enduring bond between Kenya and Japan, and acknowledges my positive impact in fostering diplomatic work in enhancing bilateral relations.
Regarding the Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy, it is a prestigious award bestowed by the President of Italy to individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting strong diplomatic relations, cultural exchange and cooperation between Italy and other countries.
I was honoured to receive this distinguished award from the President of Italy. It is meant to serve as recognition of my efforts and remarkable achievements in fostering diplomatic relations and strengthening ties between Kenya and Italy. This award highlights my commitment to promoting dialogue, understanding and collaboration between the two nations.
How about your thoughts on the 2020 Summer Olympics?
Undoubtedly, the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo marked a historic moment for Kenya. The professionalism demonstrated by Kenyan athletes in winning the marathon showcased their exceptional talent and dedication.
It was a source of national pride to witness the Kenyan anthem being played last, symbolising the success and achievements of our talented athletes. From iconic figures to highly skilled professionals, Kenya showcased a remarkable display of athletic prowess and served as an inspiration to aspiring athletes around the world.
What is your focus now?
I am currently involved in many initiatives and sit on several global and national boards and commissions.
I am a patron of Amina Leadership, Integrity, Values and Ethics (ALIVE) Foundation, whose mission is to mentor and develop young leaders in the areas of leadership, integrity, values and pursuit of excellence. I am also the founder and president of the Trade Negotiations and Investment Forum.
TNIF is a new think tank that seeks to promote dialogue, analysis and understanding of trade and investment in Africa and beyond. The forum offers a meeting place and activity centre for policymakers, business, civil society, members of institutions of higher learning, scholars and experts, who come together to exchange ideas, learning and experiences in matters relating to trade, investment and negotiations.
What advice would you give to other women in leadership positions?
My advice would be for women in leadership positions to trust their abilities, leverage their unique strengths, support each other and continue breaking barriers to create a more inclusive and diverse future.
Every leadership journey is unique. Trust your instincts, stay resilient and continue to learn and grow.
