Kenya Acquires London High Commission Building in Ksh2.9 Billion Deal
The Government of Kenya has officially acquired the building housing its High Commission in London, United Kingdom, at a cost of Ksh2.9 billion. The move ends decades of leasing and marks a significant diplomatic milestone for the country.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign & Diaspora Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi announced the acquisition on Wednesday, April 16, during his visit to the London mission. He said the purchase reflects President William Ruto’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s global diplomatic presence and cutting long-term costs.
“After decades of leasing, the Government of Kenya has officially acquired the building. Plans are underway to give it a fresh new look,” said Mudavadi.
The acquisition is part of broader efforts to elevate Kenya-UK relations to a strategic partnership, with a focus on enhanced trade, diplomacy, and development cooperation. Mudavadi urged Kenyan diplomatic staff in London to actively promote the country as a leading tourist and investment destination.
“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,” he said.
He also highlighted a recent Cabinet decision that includes the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the national security budget group—a move that aims to secure diplomatic funding and improve conditions for missions abroad.
Controversy Over Funding and Cancellation
Despite the announcement, previous plans to purchase the building were initially halted amid government austerity measures. According to a parliamentary report on Supplementary Estimates No. 1 for the 2024/2025 financial year, the project had been cancelled after a Ksh2 billion payment had already been made.
The National Assembly’s Defence and Foreign Relations Committee raised alarm over the sudden halt, warning of serious legal and financial consequences. Only Ksh900 million remained to complete the purchase, and reversing the transaction at this stage was described as risky.
“Reversing transactions at this stage will have serious legal, reputational, and financial implications. The State Department has already committed Ksh2 billion and is seeking a balance of Ksh900 million to complete the purchase,” the Committee noted.
Wider Impact of Austerity Measures
The Treasury’s cost-cutting efforts have also affected other diplomatic projects. Renovations on the ambassador’s London residence and plans to build or buy diplomatic premises in 14 other cities were frozen.
The decisions are part of the Ruto administration’s larger fiscal reform program, following public backlash over the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which had aimed to raise Ksh340 billion through taxes.
As Kenya moves forward with the London High Commission upgrade, questions remain about the fate of the other suspended diplomatic projects and the long-term impact on Kenya’s international image.
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Kenya Acquires London High Commission Building in Ksh2.9 Billion Deal