Phyllis Kandie

Phyllis Jepkosgei Kipkingor Kandie, also Phyllis Jepkosgei Kandie, but commonly known as Phyllis Kandie (born c. 1965) is the advisor to president William Ruto on Commodities Market Development in 2023. She previously served the former Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union, appointed by the former president Uhuru Kenyatta on January 27, 2018. She was as the Cabinet Secretary for East African Affairs and Labor, immediately prior to her present assignment.

Background and education Phyllis Kandie was born in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County, in 1965. She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Economics as a major, obtained from Saint Mary's University, in Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada. She then undertook postgraduate studies at Middlesex University and Durham University, in the United Kingdom, graduating with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. She was moved from the Ministry of East African Affairs and Labour to serve as the Labour and Social Protection cabinet secretary, replacing Kazungu Kambi after he was suspended from office over corruption allegations.

Diplomatic career Kandie was dropped from the cabinet on January 27, 2018 and appointed as Kenya's ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Family Phyllis Kandie is married to Ambassador Julius Kandie, a Kenyan diplomat and former Solicitor General. She is the mother of two sons, Lawrence and Simon. She has also served as a regulator within capital markets, energy and the agricultural sector. She has been a business advisory consultant for the SME sector, having consulted for the World Bank.