The government of Kenya has purchased a building valued at Ksh2.9 billion in London, United Kingdom. In a statement on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Prime Cabinet Secretary (CS) and CS for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi announced that Kenya has acquired the building that houses the Kenya High Commission in London.
Mudavadi mentioned that President William Ruto’s government will upgrade the building it has been leasing for years.
“During my visit to the Kenya High Commission in London, I shared exciting news with the staff: after decades of leasing, the Government of Kenya has officially acquired the building. Plans are underway to give it a fresh new look,” Mudavadi said.
The Prime CS explained that Kenya and the UK are poised to elevate their ties to a strategic partnership, paving the way for deeper cooperation that will benefit both nations.
He asked the Kenyan staff to advertise the East African country as a tourist destination and an investment hub.
“I encouraged the team to actively promote Kenya as a prime investment hub, especially as shifting trade dynamics make Africa an increasingly attractive destination for global industries,” he said.
Furthermore, Mudavadi stated that the Cabinet’s decision to approve the inclusion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Security budget group is a significant step that will protect funding and improve the welfare of Kenya’s diplomatic missions.
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Kenya Cancels Plans to Purchase Embassy Building
Plans by Kenya to purchase the Embassy House at an estimated cost of Ksh2.9 billion were revealed by a Report on the Consideration of Supplementary Estimates No. 1 for the Financial Year 2024/2025.
However, the project was cancelled after the government paid Ksh2 billion as part of austerity measures proposed by Ruto’s administration after Kenyans rejected the Finance Bill 2024 that had sought to raise Ksh340 billion.
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The National Assembly Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations raised concerns over the cancellation, stating that only Ksh900 million remained to be paid.
“Reversing transactions at this stage will have serious legal, reputational, and financial implications. The State Department has already committed Ksh2 billion and is seeking a balance of Ksh900 million to complete the purchase,” the Committee said.
Other Stopped Projects
Besides, the National Treasury further stopped the renovation and upgrading of the ambassador’s residence in London.
It also halted the construction and purchase of diplomatic buildings in 14 cities across the world.
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