China has pledged to assist Kenya in constructing a new headquarters for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking 60 years of bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
The announcement was made by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, highlighting the significance of this development as a symbol of the long-standing diplomatic relationship.
The new headquarters will be built within Nairobi County, although the exact location has not yet been disclosed. Preparations for the construction are underway, with a delegation tasked with designing the building meeting with PS Sing’oei to discuss ideas.
“Grateful to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for its commitment to support the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the construction of the Ministry’s new headquarters as a visible marker of 60 years of diplomatic relations,” Sing’oei stated.
“Received the technical team in charge of project design in my office today,” he said.
The offer to assist in constructing the new headquarters was initially made in 2021 during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration. At that time, the project was estimated to cost Ksh4 billion.
The Ministry acknowledged China’s extensive support in Kenya’s national development, particularly in infrastructure development, which has elevated Kenya’s status as a regional transport and communications hub.
“The government of China has also given Kenya a grant of over Ksh4 billion towards the construction of a new Ministry headquarters,” the Ministry had stated.
Historically, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been housed in the Old Treasury building. Initially, it was hosted at the Office of the President before relocating to the Treasury building in 1980.
