State Department Strengthens Institutional Resilience Through Risk Management Capacity Building

The State Department for Foreign Affairs has taken a significant step towards strengthening institutional resilience and good governance by advancing the development of its Risk Management Policy Framework (RMPF) through a high-level sensitisation session for senior officers and designated risk champions drawn from all directorates. The hybrid engagement reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to embedding risk-informed decision-making across its operations.

Opening the session, Amb. Kiboino lauded the progress made in developing the Framework and urged risk champions to become catalysts for institutional change by fostering a proactive culture of risk management within their respective directorates. He underscored that effective risk management is not merely a compliance requirement, but a strategic tool for enhancing organisational performance, accountability and service delivery.

Facilitated by CPA Stephen Makau Kyengo of the National Treasury, the session provided practical guidance on integrating risk management into the Ministry’s governance and operational systems in accordance with ISO 31000:2018 and the Government of Kenya’s regulatory framework. Participants explored key components of the RMPF, including risk appetite, risk registers, governance structures, risk ownership, mitigation strategies, and mechanisms for continuous monitoring, reporting and review.

The engagement reinforced the importance of identifying and addressing the root causes of institutional risks, strengthening accountability at all levels, and mainstreaming risk management into strategic planning, policy implementation and decision-making. Once operationalised, the Risk Management Policy Framework is expected to enhance institutional preparedness, safeguard the Ministry’s strategic objectives, and support the effective delivery of Kenya’s foreign policy priorities.