Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced that the government has bought the building hosting the Kenya High Commission in London.
In a statement on Wednesday, April 17, Mudavadi said the government is planning to upgrade the building to give it a fresh look after decades of leasing it.
The Prime CS announced the purchase of the building after he visited the Kenya High Commission in London.
“During my visit to the Kenya High Commission in London, I shared exciting news with the staff: after decades of leasing, the Government of Kenya has officially acquired the building. Plans are underway to give it a fresh new look,” Mudavadi stated.
Mudavadi also mentioned that he urged the team in the Kenya High Commission in London to advertise the East African country as a tourist destination and an investment hub.
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“I encouraged the team to actively promote Kenya as a prime investment hub, especially as shifting trade dynamics make Africa an increasingly attractive destination for global industries.
“I also highlighted a key milestone: the Cabinet has approved the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ inclusion in the Security budget group, an important step that will safeguard funding and enhance the welfare of our diplomatic missions,” Mudavadi added.
The idea to purchase the property in London was first floated in 2020 during retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure, but faced various challenges.
In 2024, the government allocated Ksh1.74 billion to acquire the London chancery and renovate the New York facility.
According to a report by the Auditor General, Nancy Gathungu, Kenya spent Ksh58.63 million annually to rent the London chancery up to 2023, after which the rates were hiked.
