Kenya spends over Ksh.3 billion on diplomatic property rent - PS Sing’Oei

Speaking during the 19th Ambassadors' Conference at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Sing’Oei said the government is paying in excess of 15 per cent of its current expenditure on rent due to underutilised diplomatic assets.

“With respect to diplomatic infrastructure across the globe, we have within 29 missions over 60 pieces of property, be it chanceries or mission houses. This infrastructure is not optimised. As a result, we are paying in excess of 15 per cent of our current expenditure, which is about Ksh.3 billion, towards rent,” he stated.

The PS noted that the government is now engaging the National Treasury to develop a programme to optimise these assets through a Public-Private Partnership framework.

He disclosed that at least ten diplomatic properties have already been identified and are being prepared for pilot development under the new strategy.

Sing’Oei emphasised that Kenyan ambassadors play a critical role in advancing the country’s global ambitions, describing them as 'frontline soldiers' in mobilising resources and building strategic partnerships.

“You have made the determination that you want to take the country to first-world status within our lifetime. That is a gigantic task and these ambassadors stand in a place of uniqueness because they are your frontline soldiers with respect to the mobilisation of resources and the curation of partnerships,” he remarked. 

At the same time, the PS signalled a shift in Kenya’s diplomatic approach, saying the ministry is moving towards a more people-centred model.

He explained that the new direction seeks to make diplomacy more service-oriented, rather than confined to formal engagements.

“We’re also pivoting towards the people. By that I mean making diplomacy less about sitting in hotels and more about service provision,” he added.

Among the initiatives supporting this shift are the Kenya Model United Nations Programme and the 'Diplomacy Mashinani' outreach, which aim to bring foreign policy closer to citizens.

The revelations come as the government seeks to maximise the value of its global diplomatic footprint while aligning foreign policy with national development goals.