This archive report was first published on 28 August 2019.
On August 28, 2019, the Kenyan Senate launched an investigation into the sorry state of the country's embassies abroad, sparking heated debates among lawmakers.
Senators questioned the government's decision to spend billions of taxpayers' cash on renting residences for Kenyan diplomats while neglecting the maintenance of embassies.
Most Kenyan embassies are in a deplorable state, with dilapidated facilities, cracks on walls and floors, and a risk of collapse.
"We were in Ethiopia a few months ago and what we saw was deplorable. The ambassador had to be literally rescued from her house because it had cracked and it could fall. It has not fallen yet, but what we saw was pathetic," said Nominated Senator Halake Abshiro.
Halake accused the government of overburdening taxpayers and called for the Foreign Affairs ministry to explain how it plans to improve the state of the embassies.
"The ministry should give reasons why taxpayers continue to shoulder exorbitant rents for Kenyan diplomats even where the country owns property because of lack of maintenance," he said.
Other senators, including Migori's Ochillo Ayacko and Isiolo's Fatuma Dullo, echoed similar sentiments, calling for a proper structure to ensure missions abroad serve their purpose.
