Kenya’s Paris mission faces major property repair costs amid funding shortages.
MPs flag structural damage and funding delays at Kenya’s Paris mission, alongside maintenance needs at the London High Commission.
Kenya’s Paris embassy repairs and official residence renovation will cost nearly Ksh234 million, a parliamentary committee report estimates. Lawmakers identified structural cracks, drainage problems and years of inadequate maintenance at the mission.
The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations detailed the findings in its August 2026 report. Its oversight visit covered Kenyan diplomatic missions in Paris and London from April 7 to April 15, 2026.
Both missions face budget shortages and delayed government funding, which have affected their ability to meet operational obligations.
Paris embassy repairs cover structural damage
The committee inspected the government-owned chancery and official residence in Paris on April 8–9. Kenya’s Ambassador to France, Betty Cherwon, hosted the parliamentary delegation.
Kenya acquired the chancery building in 1997. However, years of wear and insufficient maintenance funding have left it with structural cracks, blocked drainage and basement dampness.
The report puts the cost of fully renovating the chancery at approximately Ksh145.98 million. Meanwhile, substantial renovations at the official residence in Vésinet would require at least Ksh88 million.
An earlier technical inspection had also identified structural problems requiring attention. At the mission’s request, the Director General for Administration and public works officials visited Paris from May 17–20, 2024.
Estimates from various companies subsequently placed full chancery repairs at no less than Ksh145 million, the committee noted.
Funding pressures extend to London
Beyond repair costs, the Paris mission faces significant pressure on its operating budget. About 90% of its financial disbursements went towards non-negotiable contractual obligations, leaving little for routine operations.
The committee also recorded a budget shortfall of approximately Ksh63.3 million for the financial year under review. That figure excluded foreign exchange losses of Ksh5.16 million.
In London, MPs inspected the Kenyan High Commission from April 11–13, 2026. They identified ageing infrastructure at 45 Portland Place, alongside electrical, plumbing, heating and fire safety maintenance needs.
The London mission also faces high labour and service costs, delayed government funding and currency-related losses. These pressures accompany the maintenance demands at the diplomatic property.
However, the committee confirmed a change in the ownership status of Kenya’s London official residence. Kenya acquired the property at 78 Winnington Road on a freehold basis, resolving the previous 999-year leasehold arrangement.
