The Kenyan government has announced plans to permanently close its embassy in Bern, Switzerland, as part of a wider restructuring of the country’s diplomatic missions abroad.
The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Bern confirmed that it would cease operations following a government directive, bringing its diplomatic and consular services in Switzerland to an end.
In a public notice, the embassy announced that its Consular Section would close on November 30, 2026, and urged Kenyans and other clients with pending applications to collect their processed documents before the deadline.
Applicants who have already been notified that their documents are ready have been advised to collect them from the embassy. Those who submitted applications from November 1 will be contacted and informed about alternative arrangements for receiving their documents.
The embassy has also directed applicants to present valid identification documents and their application receipts when collecting the documents.
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei said the decision was part of the government’s broader efforts to rationalise Kenya’s diplomatic presence internationally and align its missions with the country’s strategic priorities.
He explained that the restructuring would involve closing some diplomatic missions while establishing new ones in other locations.
Sing’Oei, however, assured Kenyans living abroad that the changes would not deprive them of access to essential government services.
He said the government would ensure that Kenyans continued receiving consular assistance despite the rationalisation of diplomatic missions.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry is yet to announce which Kenyan diplomatic mission will assume responsibility for serving citizens living in Switzerland or provide details of the alternative arrangements.
The embassy has indicated that further information on accessing consular services will be communicated through its website and other official channels.
The closure will affect Kenyans seeking services such as passport processing, travel documentation and other consular assistance, who will have to rely on the new arrangements once they are announced.
In its farewell notice, the embassy thanked the Kenyan community in Switzerland, its clients, friends and partners for their support and cooperation over the years.
