Australia Opens a New High Commission in Nairobi

Australia has officially opened its new High Commission offices in Nairobi, marking a significant milestone in its ties with Kenya.

The new Chancery will also serve as a base for Australia’s relations with Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda - to which Australia is accredited.

The opening of the new High Commission demonstrates the importance Australia places in deepening its engagement with Kenya and its people.

Speaking during the launch of the Chancery on Tuesday, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said that the opening of Australia’s new diplomatic building is a strong message of its long-term engagement with Kenya and the region.

“We should seize this opportunity to continue working together, especially now more than ever as the world arena is facing daunting challenges like climate change and conflicts, among other global challenges,” said Mutua.

Mutua noted that the new Australian High Commission building is a symbol of renewed commitment to continue strengthening friendship and mutual trust, adding that it enhances the implementation of development cooperation between the two nations.

On his part, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts expressed honor to be in Nairobi to officially open the Australian High Commission building.

Watts said Australia’s partnership with Kenya dates back nearly 60 years, and the opening of the new Chancery is a testament to the countries’ enduring relationship and close cooperation.

 “The work of this High Commission will build on our cooperation with Kenya to respond to global challenges and deepen our combined efforts on economic, multilateral, environmental, and security issues,” Watts said.

He thanked the government of Kenya for the support it has provided to enable Australia’s continued presence in Nairobi.