The Parliamentary Defence and Foreign Relations Committee has expressed doubts about the economic value of Kenya establishing a standalone diplomatic mission in Vatican City.
They have even questioned whether such a non-commercial posting can be justified given that Kenya’s foreign missions are facing serious financial constraints.
Questions were raised by the committee while they were vetting Meru County Chief of Staff Dr Julius Mbijiwe, who has been nominated to be Kenya’s ambassador to the Vatican, Holy See.
Lawmakers instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to come up with a detailed cost and benefit analysis of the new mission since many already existing diplomatic missions are in face of acute shortage of resources.
At the hearing, MPs also raised the question of what diplomatic value Dr Mbijiwe, a former MCA, would bring to the role and also sought further clarification on the overall strategic importance of the Vatican posting.
Defending himself, Dr. Mbijiwe told the committee to vote for the mission as he made the case that the Catholic Church is the main partner of Kenya in the provision of education and health services.
Hence he argued that a closer diplomatic relationship with the Holy See would not only facilitate further cooperation in these very important sectors but also let Kenya engage deeply with one of the world’s most influential religious authorities.