Kenya is closing its embassy in Bern while planning new diplomatic missions in Azerbaijan and the Republic of Congo as part of a global restructuring exercise…reports Africa Daily News Desk
Kenya is set to close its embassy in Switzerland as part of a wider restructuring of its diplomatic network, while planning to open new missions in Azerbaijan and the Republic of Congo to strengthen its presence in Central Europe and Central Africa.
The changes form part of a phased rationalisation of Kenya’s diplomatic missions worldwide, aimed at aligning its overseas representation with evolving national priorities amid geopolitical uncertainty, fiscal pressures and competing development needs.
In a statement issued on November 10, 2026, Kenya’s State Department for Foreign Affairs said the government was reviewing its global diplomatic footprint to ensure that resources were directed towards its strategic priorities.
Under the first phase of the exercise, the Kenyan Embassy in Bern, Switzerland, has been identified for closure. At the same time, the government plans to establish new diplomatic missions in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, and Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo.
The proposed openings are intended to strengthen Kenya’s diplomatic engagement in Central Europe and Central Africa, respectively.
The restructuring also includes the relocation of two existing diplomatic missions. Kenya’s mission in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, has already been moved to Mexico City, while its mission in Havana, Cuba, has been relocated to Kingston, Jamaica.
London and Geneva to handle Switzerland relations
Despite the planned closure of its embassy in Bern, Kenya has stressed that the move will not affect its longstanding bilateral relations with Switzerland.
Responsibility for diplomatic engagement on bilateral matters with Switzerland will be transferred to the Kenyan High Commission in London, which previously handled the relationship.
Kenya will also retain its diplomatic presence in Geneva, ensuring continued representation at the United Nations and other multilateral organisations based in the Swiss city.
The government said its Permanent Mission in Geneva would continue to provide consular services to Kenyan citizens living in Switzerland, maintaining support for the diaspora despite the closure of the Bern embassy.
Further information and updates on consular services will be communicated through the official websites and channels of the Kenyan missions in Bern and Geneva.
The State Department said the government remained committed to the welfare of Kenyans living abroad and would ensure that the restructuring caused minimal disruption to citizens and diplomatic partners.
The changes are expected to be implemented gradually as Kenya adjusts its overseas diplomatic presence to reflect its changing foreign policy and development priorities.
Kenya’s government said the rationalisation would involve a combination of mission closures, relocations and new openings rather than a blanket reduction in its diplomatic representation worldwide.
