This archive report was first published on 28 August 2019.
On August 28, 2019, the National Security, Defense, and Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate opened investigations into the sorry state of Kenyan embassies abroad.
Senators expressed concern over the government's decision to spend billions of taxpayers' cash on renting residences for Kenyan diplomats, despite the embassies being in a state of disrepair.
They pointed out that most Kenyan embassies are dilapidated, with cracks on the walls and floors, leaking, and at risk of collapsing.
"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 the taxpayer 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 an investigation into the matter and a proper structure to ensure missions abroad serve their purpose.
