Kenyans living in Switzerland have until November 30 to collect processed documents from the Kenyan Embassy in Bern before the mission permanently closes its doors.
The closure ends the operations of the Consular Section and brings Kenya’s diplomatic presence in Bern to a close after six years. Kenya formally established its diplomatic representation in the Swiss capital on April 2, 2020.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the move as part of a wider government initiative to restructure the country's diplomatic footprint globally. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei confirmed the development on Tuesday, explaining that the rationalisation process would involve shutting down select missions while opening new ones aligned with Kenya's strategic priorities.
"This is part of the 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," Sing'Oei said.
Sing'oei assured citizens abroad that the restructuring would not disrupt their access to essential public services.
"Kenyans will continue to receive proximate services despite this rationalisation process," he said, adding that the government would release a comprehensive statement outlining the changes.
In a public notice issued on November 9, the Bern embassy instructed clients who have received notifications to pick up their processed documents before the November 30 deadline.
