Kenya to close embassy in Bern, Switzerland, to cut costs and relocate staff

The Kenyan government has announced plans to close its embassy in Bern, Switzerland, as part of a broader effort to rationalize its diplomatic missions and align them with the country's strategic priorities. The embassy, which was opened in April 2020, will be closed permanently on November 30. According to a notice sent to the Kenyan diaspora in Switzerland, clients who have been notified that their documents are ready should collect them before the deadline.

Kenya's Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing'oei, confirmed the decision on November 10, stating that the closure was part of an ongoing review of the country's overseas diplomatic presence. The review involves closing some missions and opening others to further Kenya's strategic priorities. Dr. Sing'oei assured Kenyans that they would continue receiving consular services despite the changes, with a more comprehensive statement to be issued in due course.

The staff at the Bern embassy will be relocated to Baku in Azerbaijan, which is Kenya's most recent diplomatic opening. According to a source, Bern was seen as less active, and consular affairs can still be provided through Geneva. The embassy has advised clients who submitted applications for consular services on or after November 1 to expect contact regarding the collection of their processed documents.

The closure of the Bern embassy is part of a broader effort by Kenya to optimize its diplomatic network. The government has planned to close more missions around the world, particularly in places seen as less significant. Embassies typically cost around Ksh200 million a year to run, but some have faced huge maintenance costs or are in debt. Earlier in 2026, Kenya closed its embassy in Havana, Cuba, citing operational and financial challenges linked to US sanctions.

Kenya has also identified its mission in Haiti for closure, just two years after opening it to coordinate Kenya's participation in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. At the same time, Nairobi is pursuing plans to establish or strengthen diplomatic and consular representation in strategic locations, including Copenhagen, Hanoi, the Vatican, Guangzhou, and Jeddah.

Officials say there will be a shift towards a more selective diplomatic network, with resources redirected to locations considered important to Kenya's economic and foreign policy interests. This move is expected to enhance Kenya's diplomatic efficiency and effectiveness. The EastAfrican understands that Kenya is committed to maintaining a strong and strategic presence in key regions.

The closure of the Bern embassy and the relocation of staff to Baku reflect Kenya's efforts to adapt its diplomatic presence to changing global circumstances. The move is also expected to yield cost savings, which can be redirected to support other diplomatic initiatives. Kenya's diplomatic affairs in Switzerland will now be handled through Nairobi's UN permanent mission in Geneva.

Key points

• The Kenyan government is closing its embassy in Bern, Switzerland, as part of a broader effort to rationalize its diplomatic missions and align them with the country's strategic priorities.