Amb. Jean Kamau

Amb. Jean Njeri Kamau is Kenya’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Ethiopia and the Permanent Representative to the African Union since January 2021.

Prior to her appointment, she served as the High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa, the Kingdoms of eSwatini and Lesotho based in Pretoria, South Africa from February 2015 to December 2020. Amb Kamau previously served as the Deputy Head of Mission in the Kenya Mission Washington DC from February 2013 to December 2014.

A lawyer by profession, Amb Kamau attained her LLB from the University of Nairobi (1988) after which she studied for a diploma at the Kenya School of Law (1989). She holds two master’s degrees: one in Medical Law from Aberdeen University (1990) and another in Political Science from the University of Leeds (2001).

Ambassador Kamau began her career as the Executive Director at the Federation of Women Lawyers Kenya (FIDA Kenya) from 1992-2000. Upon leaving FIDA Kenya, Amb Kamau served in various executive positions in the public sector and civil society working with organizations such as Womankind Worldwide and ActionAid International.

Some of her notable achievements include: enhancing multilateral relationships between South Africa and Kenya in the areas of Basic Education, Trade and Investment and Immigration; leading the Public Complaints Standing Committee (Ombudsman) as well as writing several publications centered on women’s rights.

Amb Jean Kamau’s professional interests are in the areas of public governance, security sector reforms and women’s rights.