The Kenyan Government has announced plans to permanently close its embassy in Bern, Switzerland, as part of a broader review of the country's diplomatic missions around the world.
In a notice dated November 9, 2026, the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Bern informed Kenyan nationals, clients and members of the public that its operations in Switzerland would be permanently closed following a government directive.
The Embassy's Consular Section is scheduled to cease operations on November 30, 2026.
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Kenyans and other clients who have been notified that their processed documents are ready have been urged to collect them from the Embassy before the closure deadline.
Those who submitted applications for consular services from November 1, 2026, will be contacted individually and given instructions on how to access their processed documents.
The Embassy said information on alternative consular arrangements for Kenyans living in Switzerland would be communicated through its website and official channels.
In its notice, the mission thanked the Kenyan community in Switzerland, its clients, friends and partners for their support and cooperation over the years.
Sing'Oei Explains Diplomatic Restructuring
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei confirmed the development, describing the decision as part of an ongoing rationalisation of Kenya's diplomatic presence globally.
In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, November 10, Sing'Oei said the government was reviewing its diplomatic network, with some missions set to close while new ones would be established in line with the country's strategic priorities.
“This is part of ongoing rationalisation of Kenya’s diplomatic footprint globally, involving closing some Missions and opening new ones in the furtherance of our strategic priorities as a country,” he said.
The Principal Secretary added that a more comprehensive statement would be released in due course, assuring Kenyans abroad that access to government services would continue despite the changes.
“Kenyans will continue to receive proximate services despite this rationalisation process,” he stated.
Background of Kenya's Embassy in Bern
Kenya's resident embassy in Switzerland was officially opened on April 2, 2020, with Ambassador Andrew Kihurani serving as the country's first resident ambassador based in Bern.
The mission was responsible for managing bilateral diplomatic relations between Kenya and Switzerland, as well as providing consular assistance to Kenyans living in the European country.
The planned closure of the Bern embassy should, however, be distinguished from Kenya's separate Permanent Mission in Geneva, which represents the country at the United Nations and other international organisations. The government has yet to provide full details of how consular services for Kenyans in Switzerland will be organised after the Bern mission closes.
The restructuring marks another change in Kenya's diplomatic network as the government seeks to align its overseas missions with national strategic priorities.
For Kenyans living in Switzerland, the immediate priority is to follow the Embassy's instructions on pending applications and document collection ahead of the November 30 deadline.