Protocol, once an overlooked profession, creates jobs with generous pay

Her programmes are structured to meet different needs, with charges ranging from Sh3,000 for short training sessions to Sh30,000 for longer courses. Since its inception in 2023, Ushpro has trained over 100 individuals and more than 20 groups, including schools, hospitals and institutions.

Elizabeth’s journey began in 2017 while singing in church. She noticed how poorly clergy were being received, and the thought lingered. “That’s when I started having a desire to do things differently.”

The profession, she notes, is unforgiving of mistakes. “The rule is clear; you never stretch your hand to the President unless he offers his first. You must also understand cultural differences. In Uganda, for example, certain greetings are considered offensive.”

Her work covers grooming, etiquette and discipline. “When you stand at the door, you are the first point of contact, and you are judged before anyone else,” she says.

To her, protocol is about creating a professional image, and her firm now issues certificates of completion, legal support and continuous mentorship.

Her highest payout so far has been Sh150,000 for a single event. Yet she admits that underpayment and mistreatment are challenges in the industry. Her vision is clear: to professionalise protocol in Kenya and inspire a generation of leaders who respect detail, culture and order.

For most people, protocol is a word reserved for diplomats and the rigid order of government functions.

Bramwel Kadima

At only 26, Bramwel Kadima has already proven that protocol is not just for the seasoned.

“I started my protocol journey back in 2017 at Africa Nazarene University,” he opens up. “The then Dean of Students mentored me. From there, I got opportunities to serve in different events both inside and outside the university, and my passion kept growing.”

His work has seen him serve public figures such as Dr Ezekiel Mutua and Pr Dorcas Rigathi, assignments he counts among his most memorable.

For Kadima, protocol is more than ceremonial gestures. It is about preventing chaos where order matters most. Sometimes the job is about precision logistics; other times, it’s about reading a room and responding to subtle cues that can make or break an event. And though the role may seem glamorous from the outside, it is built on invisible skills.

“Confidence, communication, attention to detail and the ability to analyse situations quickly,” he lists.

And sometimes, things go wrong. Once, he recalls, a guest of honour was delayed. The entire programme risked collapsing, but Kadima quickly rearranged the order of events and kept the audience engaged with the master of the ceremony, ‘without anyone realising the pressure behind the scenes.’

If you think protocol is about ‘standing at the door in a suit,’ Kadima would like to correct you. “In reality, it’s strategic, involving planning and leadership behind the scenes.”

The demands are steep. “People expect perfection, but they don’t see the late nights, the pressure, and even the sacrifices in personal life,” he says.

Despite the significant weight of their responsibilities, protocol officers in Kenya are often undercompensated: “Recognition is still low compared to the value we bring. Many do it out of passion and calling rather than pay.”
What keeps him grounded, however, is service beyond dignitaries.

“I’m involved in community outreach, missions, children’s homes, and mentorship,” he shares.

Technology has also reshaped the industry. From WhatsApp groups coordinating teams in real time to digital schedules that track movements down to the minute, the job has become both easier and faster.

Esther Endesia

Esther Endesia approaches protocol with a softer but equally important angle: “Protocol demands that you read the room, respect culture and serve with humility.”

Her work underscores that while grooming and discipline form the foundation, it is the ability to balance firmness with empathy that makes a protocol officer truly effective.

Her journey into the profession began almost by accident. “I entered protocol naturally enough through events management in 2019,” recalls the 30-year-old. What started as decor and logistics soon revealed a deeper pull. That realisation turned what seemed like an extension of event planning into her life’s passion.

“Every day is different. Mornings may be spent with one-on-one briefings and scheduling security, afternoons with juggling schedules, and evenings with delivering an experience where every detail is smooth. Yet only those behind the scenes know how complex the stitching truly is.”

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The role demands much more than charm and organisation. “Discretion, adaptability, and emotional intelligence lie at the very core of protocol,” she says.

Her mentors, a blend of veteran diplomats and seasoned event professionals, reinforced this lesson.

She recalls coordinating the visit of a global statesman, a role where ‘every symbol, from the positioning of flags to the timing of greetings, carried weight.’ It wasn’t just an event, but a moment of history shaped by detail.

And though her work straddles both the celebrity and political worlds, the approach differs. “I treat both with rigour, but with different lenses, for one, preparing for stage presence under cameras, and for the other, upholding protocol and dignity.”

Samwel Webo

For Samwel Webo, protocol is a legacy inspired by his father. He grew up admiring his father’s discipline and eventually found himself on the same path, blending tradition with his own journey.

“I started in 2019 serving as an usher in church...Many times you’re not seen, but the difference you make is immense.”
Now a father of two, he balances the demanding lifestyle of protocol with parenting. “This job requires sacrifice. You are the first to arrive and the last to leave.”

At only 25, Webo is among a new generation of protocol officers in the field. Protocol, he explains, is different depending on who you’re handling.

“For government officials, time is key. They operate on strict schedules. I wake up at 4:30am to prepare.”

Among the events he has handled, one remains personal. “My most memorable experience was working as a protocol officer during my parents’ wedding in 2020. It was both personal and professional.”
One of the biggest misconceptions, he says, is that protocol officers live glamorous lives.

Yet behind the polished appearance, challenges remain. “At the moment, the appreciation doesn’t match the work we do... For those who do it full-time, the pay ranges between Sh20,000 and Sh30,000 for a whole event, which may last even a week. It’s still not where it should be.”

“If you love what you do, you’ll give your best. Protocol is not about being seen, but about making sure everything works smoothly," Webo advises.

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