Kenya to Close Embassy in Switzerland as Part of Diplomatic Restructuring

The Kenyan government has announced plans to permanently close its embassy in Bern, Switzerland, by the end of November 2026. According to a public notice released by the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Bern, its operations would be shut down following a directive from the government, bringing its diplomatic and consular services in the European country to an end. The Consular Section of the embassy would close on Monday, November 30, 2026.

Clients with pending applications have been urged to collect their processed documents before the deadline. Those who applied for consular services from November 1, 2026, will be contacted in due course and informed about arrangements for collecting their processed documents. Applicants have also been directed to present valid identification documents alongside their application receipts when collecting the documents. The embassy has assured clients that information on alternative arrangements for providing consular services to Kenyans living in Switzerland would be communicated through its website and other official channels.

Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing'Oei stated that the closure was part of a broader government initiative to rationalise Kenya's diplomatic presence internationally in line with the country's strategic interests. He said this was part of the ongoing rationalisation of Kenya's diplomatic footprint globally, involving closing some missions and opening new ones in the furtherance of the country's strategic priorities. Sing'Oei assured Kenyans living abroad that the restructuring would not leave them without access to essential government services.

The government has not yet disclosed which diplomatic mission will take over responsibility for serving Kenyans residing in Switzerland or how the alternative consular arrangements will operate. However, Sing'Oei stated that Kenyans will continue to receive proximate services despite this rationalisation process. A more comprehensive statement outlining the changes is expected to be released in due course.

The closure of the embassy in Switzerland is part of a broader restructuring of Kenya's diplomatic missions across the world. While details of the new arrangements are scarce, the government has assured Kenyans that their interests will be protected. The embassy in Bern has thanked the Kenyan community in Switzerland, its clients, friends, and partners for their support and cooperation over the years.

The Kenyan embassy in Switzerland has been providing various services to Kenyans living in the country, including passport and documentation services. With the closure of the embassy, Kenyans seeking these services will have to follow new arrangements once they are announced by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. The ministry is expected to provide more information on the alternative arrangements in due course.

The rationalisation of Kenya's diplomatic presence is expected to be completed in the coming months, with some missions being closed and new ones opened. While the full impact of the restructuring is yet to be seen, the government has assured Kenyans that the changes will be in the best interests of the country.

Key points

• The Kenyan government has announced plans to permanently close its embassy in Bern, Switzerland, as part of a broader initiative to rationalise its diplomatic presence internationally.
• The closure of the embassy is expected to be completed by the end of November 2026, with alternative arrangements for providing consular services to Kenyans living in Switzerland to be announced in due course.
• The restructuring of Kenya's diplomatic missions is part of a broader effort to align the country's diplomatic presence with its strategic interests.