Background
In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, institutions worldwide faced the challenge of continuing essential operations while adhering to health protocols. In Kenya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) needed to ensure that key training programs, particularly those at the Foreign Service Academy (FSA), could proceed uninterrupted. The FSA is responsible for training newly appointed and redeployed ambassadors, foreign service officers, and other key diplomatic personnel.
With the restrictions on in-person meetings, the Ministry sought a reliable and secure solution to transition its training programs online. Mkutano Web-Conference, developed by Ping Information Technologies Solutions LTD, emerged as the ideal platform to meet this need.
Solution: Mkutano Web-Conference
The Foreign Service Academy adopted Mkutano Web-Conference to conduct virtual training and induction programs for ambassadors, foreign service officers, and foreign service cadets. The platform offered key features essential for the training and development of Kenya’s diplomatic corps:
- Secure Communication: Given the sensitive nature of diplomatic training and discussions, Mkutano provided robust encryption and security measures, ensuring that all communications were protected.
- Real-Time Video Conferencing: High-quality video and audio enabled seamless interaction between facilitators and trainees, ensuring the continuation of face-to-face diplomatic training in a virtual environment.
- Large-Scale Training Capabilities: Mkutano successfully hosted sessions for over 120 Foreign Service Cadets, a milestone for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This was the first time such a large-scale training session had been conducted online by the Ministry.
- Screen Sharing and Collaboration: Participants could easily share documents, presentations, and engage in real-time collaboration, crucial for the exchange of diplomatic information and strategies.
- Recording and Review: Training sessions were recorded, allowing participants to review important lessons and discussions.
Notable Engagement and Commendation
Several high-ranking officials within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs interacted with and commended the implementation of Mkutano Web-Conference, recognizing it as a vital tool for maintaining diplomatic training programs during the pandemic. Among the notable officials were:
- Cabinet Secretary Amb. Raychelle Omamo: Commended the platform’s reliability and effectiveness in delivering diplomatic training remotely.
- Former Cabinet Secretary Amb. Amina Mohamed: Highlighted the importance of using cutting-edge technology to adapt to global changes while ensuring that Kenya’s diplomatic services continued without disruption.
- Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amb. Macharia Kamau: Acknowledged the successful adaptation of Mkutano in training newly appointed ambassadors and foreign service officers, emphasizing its role in maintaining the Ministry’s operational excellence.
Impact on Foreign Service Training
The adoption of Mkutano Web-Conference had a significant impact on the operations of the Foreign Service Academy, ensuring that crucial training programs could continue despite the challenges posed by the pandemic:
- Induction of Newly Appointed and Redeployed Ambassadors: Mkutano allowed for the seamless training and orientation of ambassadors, ensuring they were equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to represent Kenya effectively in their posts abroad.
- Training of Over 120 Foreign Service Cadets: For the first time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducted virtual training for a large cohort of cadets. This milestone demonstrated the scalability and effectiveness of Mkutano in handling extensive training sessions.
- Operational Continuity: The Foreign Service Academy’s ability to continue its programs ensured that the Ministry’s diplomatic mission was not hampered by the pandemic, maintaining the high standard of Kenya’s diplomatic representation.
Conclusion
The adoption of Mkutano Web-Conference by the Foreign Service Academy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs exemplifies how technology can transform and adapt critical government operations in times of crisis. The platform allowed for the continued training of ambassadors, foreign service officers, and cadets, ensuring that Kenya’s diplomatic service remained agile and effective during the COVID-19 pandemic. Commended by top Ministry officials, Mkutano has proven itself as a key tool for remote collaboration and training, with the potential to become an integral part of future diplomatic operations.