Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei has explained why Kenya is permanently closing its embassy in Switzerland, saying the move is part of an ongoing restructuring of the country’s diplomatic missions.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, Sing’Oei said the government was rationalising Kenya’s diplomatic presence globally by closing some missions and opening new ones to align with the country’s strategic priorities.
“This is part of ongoing rationalisation of Kenya’s diplomatic footprint globally, involving closing some Missions and opening new ones in furtherance of our strategic priorities as a country,” the statement read.
He added that a more comprehensive statement on the changes would be released in due course.
Sing’Oei assured Kenyans that the restructuring would not interrupt access to consular services, saying citizens would continue receiving services despite the changes.
“A more comprehensive statement on the matter will be released in due course. Kenyans will continue to receive proximate services despite this rationalisation process.”
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Permanent Closure of Kenyan Embassy in Switzerland
This clarification followed a public notice issued by the Kenyan Embassy in Switzerland on Monday, November 9, announcing its permanent closure following a government directive.
“The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Bern wishes to inform all Kenyan Nationals, clients and members of the public that, following a directive of the Government of the Republic of Kenya, the Embassy will permanently close its operations in Switzerland,” the embassy stated.
The Embassy said its operations in Switzerland would permanently cease, with the Consular Section scheduled to close on Monday, November 30, 2026.
What Happens to Clients in Waiting
Clients who have received notifications that their processed documents are ready have been advised to collect them before November 30.
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Those who applied for consular services from November 1, 2026, will be contacted with details on how to collect their processed documents.
“Clients who applied for any consular service from 1 November 2026 will be contacted in due course with arrangements for collecting their processed documents.”
Applicants collecting documents from the Embassy in Switzerland must present valid identification and their application receipts.
The Embassy said it would communicate information on alternative consular arrangements for Kenyans in Switzerland through its website and official channels.
For enquiries, members of the public can contact the Embassy at +41 031 371 0592 or by email at [email protected].
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