Kenya Has Bought a Building in London to Host Embassy After Years Rent Fight
Kenya has officially bought the Kenya High Commission building in London, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has revealed.
In an official statement on Wednesday, Mudavadi announced that after decades of leasing the building, the Kenyan government has made a major step toward officially acquiring it.
Mudavadi spoke after visiting Kenyans at the commission in London.
"During my visit to the Kenya High Commission in London I shared the exciting news with the staff: after decades of leasing, the Government of Kenya has officially acquired the building," Mudavadi announced.
The PCS further revealed that plans are underway for the Kenyan government to give the building a fresh Kenyan look.
According to Mudavadi, Kenya and the UK are working to elevate their ties to a strategic partnership, opening the door to deeper cooperation that will benefit both nations.
Kenya has been trying to acquire the building since October 2021, following the expiry of the lease.
Initially, the Treasury had allocated Ksh1.74 billion to acquire the freehold building, comprising a total floor space of at least 9,000-12,000 square feet, but the project of acquisition stalled as the department asked for more money.
For freehold properties within 9,000–12,000 square feet in Central London, prices typically range from Ksh1.22 billion to Ksh7.22 billion.
According to lawmakers, the process was invalidated after Kenya failed to get a conveyancing lawyer to handle the purchase process.
Kenya has been paying Ksh58.63 million yearly to rent the chancery in London from 2021 to August 2023. Thereafter, the price was hiked to Ksh95.18 million.
Speaking to the staff of the High Commission, Mudavadi encouraged them to promote Kenya as a prime investment hub and grow its popularity.
"I encouraged the team to actively promote Kenya as a prime investment hub, especially as shifting trade dynamics make Africa an increasingly attractive destination for global industries," Mudavadi continued.
