Kenya is set to establish new diplomatic missions in Azerbaijan and Congo and move its embassies in Haiti and Cuba to other cities as part of a government plan to reorganize its global diplomatic presence.
In a statement on November 10, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said the changes would be implemented in phases to align Kenya’s diplomatic representation with its national priorities amid geopolitical uncertainty and fiscal pressures.
Under the plan, Kenya will open new missions in Baku, Azerbaijan, and Brazzaville, Congo, to strengthen its engagement in the two regions.
“Accordingly, the Government is undertaking a phased rationalization of Kenya’s diplomatic footprint globally. This involves the closure of some Missions, the relocation of others, or the opening of new ones, all in furtherance of our strategic priorities.
Under the guidance of the Cabinet, Kenya will open new Missions in Baku. Azerbaijan and Brazzaville, Congo, in order to bolster our footprint in Central Europe and Central Africa respectively,” part of the statement read.
Kenya Restructures Diplomatic Missions After Closing Switzerland Embassy
Additionally, the government has completed the relocation of its mission in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to Mexico City, while the mission in Havana, Cuba, has been moved to Kingston, Jamaica.
The ministry said the restructuring aimed to ensure Kenya maintains diplomatic representation in locations that support its evolving strategic priorities.
As part of the first phase of the restructuring, Kenya has closed its embassy in Bern, Switzerland, without affecting diplomatic relations between the two countries, according to the ministry.
Bilateral matters between Kenya and Switzerland will now be handled by the Kenya High Commission in London, reverting to the previous arrangement.
Kenya will, however, maintain its diplomatic presence in Geneva through its Permanent Mission, which represents the country at the United Nations and other multilateral organizations based in the city.
The Geneva mission will also provide consular services to Kenyans living in Switzerland following the closure of the Bern embassy.
The ministry said the rationalization would be implemented gradually to minimize disruption to Kenyans living abroad and Kenya’s diplomatic partners.
Also Read: Kenya Confirms Permanent Shutdown of Its Embassy in Switzerland
What Diplomatic Missions Do and the Services They Offer Kenyans Abroad
Diplomatic missions, including embassies, high commissions, consulates and permanent missions, perform political, consular, economic and administrative functions on behalf of their home countries.
For citizens living or travelling abroad, these offices provide assistance with passport applications, renewals and replacement of lost travel documents.
They also help citizens facing emergencies, arrests, hospitalization or evacuation and offer guidance on legal and administrative matters.
Missions may also authenticate and certify official documents, including birth, death and marriage certificates, academic qualifications and powers of attorney.
They can facilitate voter registration and participation in national elections for citizens living abroad.
Also Read: U.S. Embassy in Kenya Announces Temporary Closure
Diplomatic missions also handle visa applications and provide information on immigration requirements for foreign nationals seeking to visit, study, work or settle in their home country.
Beyond consular services, embassies and high commissions represent their governments in dealings with the host country.
Their responsibilities include negotiating agreements, maintaining bilateral relations, holding policy discussions and reporting on political, economic and security developments that may influence their home country’s foreign policy.
They also coordinate official state visits, diplomatic meetings and other engagements involving government representatives.
Permanent missions, meanwhile, represent their countries at international organizations such as the United Nations.
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