Kenya will close its embassy in Bern as it reviews its diplomatic network.
Kenya will close its mission in Switzerland as the government reviews diplomatic priorities and redirects its overseas presence.
Kenya has announced the Bern embassy closure, with consular services in Switzerland set to end on November 30, 2026. The Foreign Affairs Ministry says the decision forms part of a wider review of Kenya’s diplomatic presence.
In a public notice dated November 9, the embassy said it would permanently cease operations following a directive from Nairobi. The notice addressed Kenyans living in Switzerland, consular clients and other members of the public.
Bern embassy closure: document collection arrangements
Kenyans who have received notifications that their processed documents are ready should collect them before the closure date. Meanwhile, the embassy will contact people who applied for consular services from November 1 with document collection arrangements.
The mission also said it would communicate alternative consular arrangements through its website and official channels. These updates will guide Kenyans living in Switzerland as the embassy prepares to end its operations.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said on Tuesday that Kenyans would retain access to nearby consular services despite the changes. He also said the ministry would issue a comprehensive statement in due course.
Kenya reshapes its overseas diplomatic network
Sing’Oei described the decision as part of an ongoing effort to align Kenya’s diplomatic network with national strategic priorities. The exercise involves closing some missions while opening others, rather than simply reducing the country’s presence abroad.
Meanwhile, Kenya has expanded its diplomatic reach over the past five years through new missions and planned representation. It recently opened an embassy in Rabat, Morocco, to strengthen diplomatic relations and bilateral ties with the North African country.
The government has also approved plans for missions in Vatican City, Copenhagen in Denmark, and Hanoi in Vietnam. Those missions aim to deepen engagement with the Holy See and faith-based institutions, support sustainable development and climate partnerships, and expand Asian trade opportunities.
In August 2026, Kenya also inaugurated a Consulate General in Guangzhou, China, to strengthen commercial engagement with southern China. Its focus includes trade, manufacturing and technology, alongside Kenya’s wider push to build partnerships in strategic economic centres.
