Kenya’s diplomatic reach threatened by Sh16 billion cut, says PS Sing'Oei

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs faces serious challenges after its budget for the 2025/26 financial year was cut from the requested Sh39 billion to Sh23 billion.

This reduction threatens Kenya’s ability to expand its diplomatic presence and maintain key operations that support international relations.

Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei told the National Assembly’s Defence, Foreign Relations, and Intelligence Committee that the ministry was allocated Sh12.7 billion for personal emoluments, but the requirement was Sh13.6 billion.

This shortfall of Sh900 million will affect staff promotions, postings, education supplements, and payments to former ambassadors awaiting gratuity.

Sing'Oei explained that the ministry received Sh900 million for opening new missions in locations such as Jeddah, Asmara, Abidjan, Bogotá, Congo Brazzaville, Hungary, Guangzhou, Haiti, and Kinshasa, although the requested amount was Sh3 billion.

These cuts mean planned diplomatic expansions will be delayed or scaled back.

The ministry also requested Sh3 billion for state visits to fund the President’s travels abroad but was only allocated Sh1.88 billion.

According to Sing'Oei, this gap will limit Kenya’s participation in important international engagements.

A further request for Sh1 billion to cover foreign exchange risks was reduced.

The ministry explained that since mission budgets are prepared in Kenyan shillings but expenses are paid in foreign currencies, currency fluctuations cause financial losses that erode their budgets.

Due to these financial limits, Sing'Oei said Kenya cannot establish embassies in every country.

The ministry needs Sh500 million to support missions accredited to two or three neighboring countries to maintain adequate representation.

Rent payments for embassies were also slightly reduced, with Sh3.267 billion allocated compared to the requested Sh3.335 billion.

The ministry asked for Sh250 million for ICT equipment like computers and printers but received only Sh156 million.

Requests for Sh450 million to support peace negotiations, especially in South Sudan, were not granted, raising concerns about Kenya’s role in regional security.

Sing'Oei also highlighted ongoing construction and renovation projects at the ministry headquarters and 25 embassies costing Sh2.3 billion, with only Sh100 million allocated to the headquarters for building works.

He urged lawmakers to consider the long-term consequences of these budget constraints, warning that Kenya’s foreign relations could suffer without adequate funding.