Macharia Kamau: The fearless diplomat, reluctant retiree

“I’ve been happy most, if not all, of my life,” Ambassador Macharia Kamau says. “My dad always slipped a shilling under the pillow when the tooth fairy came. So I grew up believing in a magical world.”

Magical indeed—for few Kenyans have carried their flag into as many global rooms. Over nearly four decades, he has served for 14 years as Kenya’s top diplomat, including nine years as Ambassador to the United Nations and five years as Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs.