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AMB. MOI LEMOSHIRA ATTENDS WELCOME RECEPTION OF THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE PROGRAM FOR FOREIGN-SERVICE OFFICERS AND PUBLIC OFFICIALS

24th October 2024

Amb. Moi Lemoshira with Hon. Masahiro Komura, Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Masaya Shimoyama, Executive Vice President of the Japan Foundation and the participants of the Japanese language program for foreign-service officers and public officials

Amb. Moi Lemoshira attended the Welcome Reception of the Japanese Language Programme at the invitation of co-hosts Hon. Masahiro Komura, Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and Mr. Masaya Shimoyama, Executive Vice President of the Japan Foundation, held on Thursday, 17th October 2024. Amb. Lemoshira was invited as Chief Guest to share experiences in his diplomatic career as an alumnus of the programme.

In his address to the 29 Young Foreign Service Officers and 8 Public officials from 38 countries, Amb. Lemoshira congratulated the participants and encouraged them to deepen their understanding of Japanese Language, Japan as a country, its people and culture.

In sharing his experiences in the diplomatic career 29 years after attending the Language Course, Amb. Lemoshira challenged the participant to seize the opportunity noting that “the power to speak another person's language opens many doors of life” He urged the officers to acquire foreign language skills as part of the core competencies to “adopt and perform better in a foreign environment.”

The Ambassador-designate further advised the participants to be good ambassadors of their countries saying that “as you live in Japan, you represent your respective great countries and, in your interactions, you help people shape their views about your country.” Amb. Lemoshira pointed out that the programme is not merely a language course but also an encounter with prospects to develop the much-needed “shared understanding on many issues and more so, to promote respect for diversity and even differences.”

6 other Foreign Service officers from Kenya have participated in the Course including Ms. Rose J. Sumbeiywo-2004; Mr. David M. Kamau-2007; Dr. Dorothy Cheber-2015; Mr. Charles Kimani – 2016; Mr. Zouga K. Seling-2017; and Mr. Philip O. Ouma-2023. The Embassy will pursue more opportunities for Kenyan participants in the programme to boost foreign language proficiency in the Kenya Foreign Service.

Hon. Masahiro Komura delivers his opening speech at the reception
Amb. Moi Lemoshira delivers his speech at the reception