Raychelle Achieng Omamo (born 7 July 1966) is a Kenyan diplomat and public servant who has held senior positions within Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and served as the country’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs from 2018 to 2022. As of 2022, she serves as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Early life and education
Raychelle Omamo was born in Kenya. She earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Nairobi. She subsequently pursued graduate studies in the United States, obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Harvard Law School and a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Her academic training focused on international law, diplomatic studies, and public administration.
Diplomatic and governmental career
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kenya) – Prior to her ambassadorial appointment, Omamo held various senior roles within the ministry, including Director of the International Relations and Cooperation Department and Senior Deputy Secretary. In these capacities she oversaw policy formulation and the administration of Kenya’s diplomatic missions.
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Ambassador to the United States (2014–2018) – Appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta, Omamo served as Kenya’s ambassador to the United States, representing Kenyan interests in Washington, D.C., and strengthening bilateral cooperation on trade, security, and development matters.
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Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs (2018–2022) – In January 2018, President Kenyatta elevated Omamo to the cabinet as the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During her tenure, she directed Kenya’s foreign policy, managed the country’s diplomatic corps, and represented Kenya at high‑level regional and international forums, including the African Union and the United Nations.
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Permanent Representative to the United Nations (2022–present) – Following the 2022 presidential transition, President William Ruto appointed Omamo as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, where she participates in General Assembly and Security Council deliberations on behalf of Kenya.
Other roles and affiliations
Omamo has served on several governmental and non‑governmental boards related to international affairs, trade, and security. She is a member of professional bodies such as the International Law Association and has contributed to policy papers on East African integration and regional security cooperation.
Recognition
Throughout her career, Omamo has been acknowledged for her contributions to diplomatic service, though specific awards have not been publicly documented.
Personal life
Publicly available information about Omamo’s personal life, including family details, is limited, reflecting a customary emphasis on professional rather than private matters in Kenyan diplomatic biographies.
This entry reflects information available from reputable governmental and news sources up to April 2026.