Kenyan Embassy in Switzerland announces permanent closure

In a communiqué dated November 9, the Embassy notified Kenyan nationals that the Consular section will permanently close its operations on November 30.

Members seeking to collect processed documents have been notified to do so before closure, and those who have applied for any service from November 1 will be contacted in due course with directives on how to access their documents.

"Information on alternative consular arrangements for Kenyans in Switzerland will be shared through the Embassy's website and official channels," the statement notes.

"The Embassy sincerely thanks all its clients, the Kenyan community in Switzerland, and its friends and partners for their support and understanding over the years."

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Korir Sing'Oei said on Tuesday that the move is part of "ongoing rationalization of Kenya’s diplomatic footprint globally" and some Missions will face closure while new ones open.

"Kenyans will continue to receive proximate services despite this rationalization process," he wrote on X.

The Kenyan Embassy in Bern, Switzerland, was officially established and opened on April 2, 2020

Switzerland has had an official presence in Kenya since the country's independence in 1963 and the two nations have shared bilateral ties.

Switzerland primarily imports agricultural products from Kenya and exports pharmaceutical and chemical products to the country.