Government purchases Sh2.9 billion property in London
Mudavadi noted that President William Ruto’s administration made the decision to purchase and modernize the premises, which Kenya had been renting for many years.
The Kenyan government has acquired a property worth Sh2.9 billion in London, United Kingdom, says the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign & Diaspora Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi revealed that the newly purchased building is the current home of the Kenya High Commission in London.
Mudavadi noted that President William Ruto’s administration made the decision to purchase and modernize the premises, which Kenya had been renting for many years.
"During my visit to the Kenya High Commission in London, I shared exciting news with the staff: after decades of leasing, the Government of Kenya has officially acquired the building. Plans are underway to give it a fresh new look," Mudavadi said
The Prime Cabinet Secretary stated that Kenya and the United Kingdom are set to strengthen their relationship by transitioning to a strategic partnership, which will open doors to enhanced collaboration and mutual benefits for both countries.
He urged the Kenyan staff to actively market the East African nation as both a top tourist destination and a center for investment opportunities.
"I encouraged the team to position Kenya as a leading investment hub, particularly as evolving global trade trends continue to make Africa more appealing to international businesses," he said.
Additionally, Mudavadi highlighted that the Cabinet’s move to include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the Security budget cluster marks a major milestone.
He said the decision will help secure consistent funding and enhance the well-being of Kenya’s diplomatic missions abroad.
Kenya’s intention to acquire the Embassy House in London at an estimated cost of Sh2.9 billion was first disclosed in a report reviewing Supplementary Estimates No. 1 for the 2024/2025 financial year.
However, the project was later scrapped after Ksh2 billion had already been spent, following austerity measures introduced by President Ruto’s administration.
These cost-cutting measures came in response to public backlash against the 2024 Finance Bill, which aimed to generate Ksh340 billion.
The National Assembly Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations expressed concern over the cancellation of the project, noting that only Ksh900 million was outstanding.
"Calling off the transaction at this point could lead to significant legal, reputational, and financial consequences. The State Department has already committed Ksh2 billion and now requires an additional Ksh900 million to finalize the purchase," the Committee stated.