About / About Us

About IRSK

Knowledge-Driven. Globally Engaged. Impact-Oriented the professional body for Kenya's international affairs and diplomacy community.

The International Relations Society of Kenya (IRSK) is the professional body for Kenya's international affairs and diplomacy community. We bring together practitioners, scholars, researchers, and institutions committed to advancing the understanding and practice of international relations. IRSK provides a professional platform through which individuals and institutions can engage with these complex dynamics, exchange knowledge, build strategic relationships, and contribute to informed public and policy dialogue.

As a policy-neutral professional society, IRSK promotes intellectual openness, constructive engagement, and evidence-informed perspectives. We create opportunities for diverse voices to participate in conversations that matter from Kenya's foreign policy and regional integration to Africa's position in the evolving global order.

Our work is anchored in five interconnected commitments: convening, connecting, capacity building, thought leadership, and policy advocacy. Through these commitments, we seek to strengthen professional excellence, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and position Kenya's international relations community for meaningful engagement at national, regional, continental, and global levels.

IRSK is registered as a society under Kenya's Societies Act and is governed by a Council responsible for providing strategic direction, institutional oversight, and effective governance.

"Knowledge-Driven. Globally Engaged. Impact-Oriented."

Our Vision

To be a leading professional platform for international relations and diplomacy in Kenya and a trusted interlocutor on international relations and diplomacy issues in Kenya and beyond.

Our mission

To connect, educate, and empower professionals, scholars, students, and institutions through knowledge exchange, professional development, strategic partnerships, research, and informed dialogue that advance excellence in international relations and diplomacy..

Core Values

Intellectual Openness

Encouraging diverse perspectives, critical inquiry, respectful debate, and evidence-based engagement.

Inclusion & Professional Development

Creating opportunities for participation, mentorship, learning, and advancement across career stages.

Professional Excellence

Promoting high standards of knowledge, competence, integrity, and professional practice.

Collaboration

Building meaningful partnerships with government, academia, business, and civil society.

What We Do

Convening International Affairs Dialogue

IRSK serves as a platform for meaningful engagement on the most consequential issues shaping international affairs. We organise annual conferences, policy dialogues, symposia, forums, workshops, public sessions, and webinars that bring together experts, policymakers, practitioners, and emerging voices.
Our convening programmes create opportunities to examine geopolitical developments, diplomacy, regional integration, international cooperation, economic statecraft, peace and security, and emerging global challenges.

Professional Development and Capacity Building

We support the continuous growth of professionals and aspiring practitioners through training programmes, short courses, mentorship initiatives, career forums, fellowships, and specialised learning opportunities.
Our capacity-building agenda responds to the evolving demands of diplomacy, including strategic communication, negotiation, foreign policy analysis, digital diplomacy, international development, and emerging technologies.

Research, Publications, and Knowledge Exchange

IRSK promotes research and knowledge production that deepen understanding of international affairs and support informed decision-making, providing opportunities for scholars and practitioners to share ideas and present findings.
Our planned and ongoing knowledge products include professional magazines, scholarly journals, newsletters, policy briefs, research reports, and analytical commentary.

Strategic Partnerships and Professional Networking

IRSK facilitates connections among members and creates opportunities for collaboration with universities, government institutions, diplomatic missions, development partners, think tanks, professional bodies, and civil society.
We also promote an open-access member directory to facilitate professional visibility and connections across the IRSK community.

Policy Engagement and Public Education

IRSK contributes to public understanding of foreign policy, diplomacy, and international affairs through commentary, analysis, public education, and policy-oriented dialogue.
Where appropriate, IRSK supports government, private-sector, civil society, and other institutional actors through policy analysis, research, and advisory engagement.

Career Opportunities and Emerging Talent

IRSK supports students, early-career professionals, and emerging leaders through access to information on employment opportunities, internships, scholarships, research grants, awards, and mentorship.
By nurturing emerging talent, IRSK contributes to a stronger and more inclusive professional ecosystem for Kenya and the wider region.

Join IRSK Today

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