Kenya's Ambassador in Geneva to Get Sh1.8 Billion New Residence

Kenya's ambassador in Geneva, Switzerland is set to get a new residence and office worth Sh1.8 billion.

Budget documents tabled at the National Assembly this month by the National Treasury indicate that Sh820 million has been allocated in the coming fiscal year for the purchase of chancery and ambassador’s residence in Geneva.

This is on top of the Sh1 billion set aside for the financial year ending this month.

In 2017, Kenya's Foreign Affairs ministry said it had identified the property in the posh resort city of Lake Geneva.

Members of Parliament had earlier questioned the high price of the property, citing pressing national issues and calls for austerity measures.

In defense, the ministry said the purchase was justifiable given the high cost of renting buildings in Geneva, which was ranked as the fourth most expensive city in the world in 2016.

Appearing in Parliament, Foreign Affairs ministry officials said Kenyan taxpayers spend Sh140 million annually for rent in Switzerland.