Kenya will permanently close its embassy in Bern, Switzerland, by 30 November 2026, as part of a broader diplomatic restructuring. The decision follows the closure of its mission in Havana, Cuba, and its relocation to Kingston, Jamaica. The move is part of an ongoing effort to rationalise the country’s diplomatic presence.
Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary PS Korir Sing’oei stated the closure is part of a strategic realignment involving the closure of some missions and the opening of new ones. While the exact details of alternative consular arrangements remain undisclosed, the government has confirmed the closure will take effect in 2026. No immediate replacement for the Bern embassy has been announced.
This marks the second embassy closure in Europe in recent months. Kenya’s decision reflects a global trend of diplomatic consolidation, with countries re-evaluating their overseas missions in light of shifting geopolitical priorities and resource constraints. The closure of the Bern embassy follows similar moves in other regions, including the relocation of the Nairobi mission from Havana to Kingston. The government has not provided further details on the new locations or the scope of the restructured diplomatic network.
