This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
On July 16, 2019, the Foreign Affairs ministry issued tenders for the renovation of diplomats' dilapidated offices and residences in Washington, as envoys continue to spend millions on leasing space.
According to a notice published on the ministry's website, the Washington DC embassy invited firms to bid for the 'upgrading and renovation of Kenya Government-owned properties in Washington DC.'
The move comes just weeks after the National Treasury allocated Sh700 million to be shared for the facelift of homes and offices in Washington D.C, London, and New York.
As reported in the budget documents submitted to MPs, the Treasury estimated that it would cost Sh250 million to renovate the Washington DC properties.
The Kenyan Embassy building in Washington DC was constructed in the 1930s.
Notably, the Controller of Budget revealed that the Foreign Affairs ministry spent Sh1.9 billion on rent abroad in the nine months to March.
