Kenya is spending billions of shillings every year on renting diplomatic properties abroad, even as some of its own assets remain underused.
This concern was raised by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei, who pointed to inefficiencies in how the country manages its missions overseas.
Speaking during the 19th Ambassadors’ Conference held at Safari Park Hotel, Sing’Oei explained that the government currently spends more than Ksh 3 billion annually on rent. He noted that this amount represents over 15 per cent of the ministry’s current expenditure, a figure he described as unsustainable given the number of properties Kenya already owns abroad.
“With respect to diplomatic infrastructure across the globe, we have within 29 missions over 60 pieces of property, be it chanceries or mission houses. This infrastructure is not optimised. As a result, we are paying in excess of 15 per cent of our current expenditure, which is about Ksh 3 billion, towards rent,” he stated.
The government is now seeking to address the issue by working with the National Treasury to roll out a plan aimed at better use of existing assets. According to the PS, the strategy will involve a Public-Private Partnership framework that will allow redevelopment and improved management of diplomatic properties.
At least ten properties have already been identified for pilot projects under this new approach. The aim is to reduce rental costs while increasing the value and efficiency of Kenya’s diplomatic infrastructure.
Sing’Oei also highlighted the role of ambassadors in driving Kenya’s global agenda. He described them as key players in attracting investment, building partnerships, and positioning the country on the international stage. He stressed that their work is central to the country’s ambition of achieving higher economic and development standards.
“You have made the determination that you want to take the country to first-world status within our lifetime. That is a gigantic task and these ambassadors stand in a place of uniqueness because they are your frontline soldiers with respect to the mobilisation of resources and the curation of partnerships,” he remarked.
At the same time, the ministry is shifting its approach to diplomacy by focusing more on citizens. Sing’Oei said there is a need to move away from traditional, formal engagements and instead make diplomacy more practical and service-oriented.
He pointed to initiatives such as the Kenya Model United Nations Programme and the Diplomacy Mashinani outreach as examples of efforts aimed at bringing foreign policy closer to the people.
The changes are part of a plan to align Kenya’s diplomatic work with national development priorities while making it more responsive to citizens’ needs.
