A parliamentary oversight visit to Kenya’s embassy in Paris has brought to light growing financial pressure, currency-related losses and the poor condition of key diplomatic buildings, raising questions over how foreign missions are being funded and maintained.
The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations conducted the inspection on April 9, 2026, led by Mandera North MP Abdullahi Bashir alongside Woman Representative for Kitui Irene Kasalu and Central Imenti MP Moses Kirima.
The team was received by Kenya’s Ambassador to France, H.E. Betty Cherwon, who said parliamentary oversight plays a key role in improving the performance of diplomatic missions.
The ambassador explained that the Paris mission also covers Portugal, Serbia, Monaco and the Holy See, while also supporting Kenya’s representation at UNESCO, a role that has expanded its workload beyond France.
Financial concerns
The committee reviewed financial records showing that the embassy was allocated Sh 401.44 million for the 2025/26 financial year, with Sh 366.44 million set aside for recurrent spending and Sh 35 million for development work.
By March 31, 2026, the mission had used Sh 224.46 million, reflecting a 55.91 per cent absorption rate.
However, concern emerged after it was revealed that Sh 260.14 million sent from Nairobi reduced to Sh 254.98 million upon arrival in Paris, leading to a Sh 5.16 million loss linked to foreign exchange fluctuations.
Officials at the mission said repeated currency shifts continue to reduce the value of allocations and disrupt planned activities, and proposed the creation of a stabilization fund to cushion embassies from such losses.
The embassy also reported collecting Sh 5.69 million in Appropriation in Aid, with Sh 2.5 million approved for use while the remainder is still awaiting release from headquarters.
The committee met members of the Kenyan community in France, estimated at about 2,500 people, who welcomed improvements in consular services.
They especially noted the introduction of an online appointment system, which has reduced waiting times, eased congestion and reduced the need for physical visits to the embassy.
Condition of diplomatic properties
Lawmakers inspected the Chancery at 3 Rue Freycinet in central Paris, a three-storey freehold property acquired in 1997, and found it in a poor state due to years of insufficient maintenance.
The mission estimates that Sh 150 million is needed to fully refurbish the building.
The delegation also visited the Ambassador’s residence in Yvelines, about an hour from central Paris, located on a 2.86-acre property acquired in 1975. Although temporary repairs have been done, full renovation is estimated at Sh 180 million.
The committee noted that the embassy is operating under financial strain while handling expanded diplomatic responsibilities. The findings will guide recommendations aimed at improving funding efficiency, strengthening financial management and protecting Kenya’s diplomatic assets abroad.
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