Client: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kenya) – Foreign Service Academy (FSA)
Sector: Government & Diplomacy
Solution: Mkutano Web-Conference Deployment
Year: 2020
Background
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional modes of operation across governments worldwide. As physical meetings and gatherings became restricted, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Kenya faced the challenge of sustaining essential training at the Foreign Service Academy (FSA) — the institution responsible for preparing Kenya’s diplomats, including newly appointed ambassadors, foreign service officers, and cadets.
Faced with the need for a secure, scalable, and efficient virtual training solution, the Ministry partnered with Ping Information Technologies Solutions LTD to deploy Mkutano Web-Conference, a robust video conferencing tool designed for mission-critical collaboration.
Solution: Mkutano Web-Conference
Mkutano Web-Conference was adopted by the Foreign Service Academy to enable uninterrupted diplomatic training during the pandemic. Designed with security, scalability, and interactivity in mind, the platform seamlessly transitioned key training programs into a virtual environment.
Key Features Deployed:
- End-to-End Encrypted Communication: Ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive diplomatic discussions and materials.
- High-Quality Real-Time Video Conferencing: Facilitated engaging, face-to-face virtual sessions between facilitators and trainees.
- Large-Scale Training Support: Successfully hosted over 120 Foreign Service Cadets — a milestone for virtual diplomatic training in Kenya.
- Screen Sharing & Collaborative Tools: Enabled efficient exchange of documents, presentations, and real-time group activities.
- Session Recording: All trainings were recorded for reference and review, enhancing knowledge retention and accessibility.
Leadership Endorsements & Recognition
The implementation of Mkutano was met with enthusiastic support from senior officials within the Ministry:
- Amb. Raychelle Omamo, Cabinet Secretary – Praised Mkutano’s effectiveness and reliability in delivering high-impact diplomatic training virtually.
- Amb. Amina Mohamed, former Cabinet Secretary, commended the strategic use of technology to uphold Kenya’s diplomatic readiness.
- Amb. Macharia Kamau, Principal Secretary, acknowledged Mkutano’s critical role in the successful induction of ambassadors and foreign service officers.
Impact on Diplomatic Training
The deployment of Mkutano Web-Conference delivered transformative results for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
- Induction of New and Redeployed Ambassadors: Ensured continued diplomatic readiness through structured virtual orientation programs.
- Training for 120+ Cadets: Demonstrated the platform’s ability to support large-scale virtual training initiatives.
- Uninterrupted Operations: Maintained the continuity and excellence of Kenya’s foreign service training despite pandemic-related disruptions.
Conclusion
The successful deployment of Mkutano Web-Conference by Ping Information Technologies Solutions LTD marked a turning point in how the Foreign Service Academy delivers critical training to Kenya’s diplomatic corps. By enabling seamless, secure, and scalable online training, Mkutano ensured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could uphold its mandate of preparing world-class diplomats even in times of crisis.
As a tool commended by Kenya’s top diplomatic leadership, Mkutano continues to show promise as a vital component in the future of hybrid and remote government operations.