Kenya is set to permanently close its embassy in Bern, Switzerland, in a major diplomatic shake-up that will affect thousands of Kenyans living in the European country and reshape how they access government services abroad.
The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Bern announced that it would permanently cease operations following a directive from the government in Nairobi, with its Consular Section scheduled to close on November 30, 2026.
In a public notice dated November 9, the mission urged Kenyans and other clients with completed applications to collect their processed documents before the deadline.
Those who submitted applications for consular services from November 1 will be contacted individually and informed about alternative arrangements for accessing their documents.
Applicants collecting documents have also been instructed to present valid identification alongside their application receipts.
The announcement has raised concerns among Kenyans in Switzerland who depend on the embassy for passport renewals, emergency travel documents, authentication of official papers and other consular assistance.
Government explains decision to restructure diplomatic missions
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei confirmed the closure, describing it as part of a broader government initiative to rationalise Kenya’s diplomatic footprint internationally.
According to Sing’Oei, the government is reviewing its overseas missions to ensure diplomatic resources are directed towards locations that better serve Kenya’s strategic, economic and foreign policy interests.
He explained that the exercise involves closing some diplomatic missions while establishing new ones in countries considered strategically important.
The Principal Secretary assured Kenyans abroad that the restructuring would not deprive them of access to essential government services.
He promised that a more comprehensive statement outlining the changes would be issued in due course.
What happens to Kenyans living in Switzerland?
The closure will mark the end of Kenya’s resident embassy in Bern, which was officially established in April 2020.
However, Kenya’s diplomatic presence in Switzerland will not disappear entirely.
The country maintains a separate Permanent Mission in Geneva, which represents Kenya at the United Nations and other international organisations.
According to The EastAfrican, diplomatic responsibilities previously handled through Bern are expected to be consolidated through the Geneva mission.
The newspaper also reported that embassy staff would be relocated to Baku, Azerbaijan, although the government has not officially confirmed all staff transfer arrangements.
For Kenyans living in Switzerland, the immediate concern remains access to consular services, particularly passport applications, emergency documentation and assistance during difficult situations.
The government is yet to publish comprehensive details explaining how these services will be delivered after November 30.
Kenya redirects diplomatic resources
The decision reflects a wider review of Kenya’s international diplomatic network as Nairobi seeks to balance operational costs against strategic priorities.
Kenya has simultaneously pursued diplomatic expansion in other locations, including Copenhagen, Hanoi and Guangzhou, where trade, investment and international cooperation opportunities are considered important.
The closure of the Bern embassy therefore signals a shift towards a more selective diplomatic presence rather than a complete withdrawal from international engagement.
For the Kenyan diaspora in Switzerland, however, the success of the restructuring will ultimately depend on whether the government can maintain accessible and efficient services despite the loss of a resident embassy.
