“The cost of rent in those countries is very high, we have asked for an extra Sh1.7 billion so that we can purchase chanceries in those two countries. We have done some analysis and we know this is money that is repayable within a maximum of eight years based on the rent we pay,” he explained.
The ministry has a further Sh400 million which will be used to help ‘soft power’ countries facing instabilities such as Southern Sudan.
The ministry which says it is contented with the budget allocation for the year 2014/2015 has also received Sh1 billion to construct its own building near State House Nairobi.
The money that the ministry collects from services of issuance of passports and visas is also included in the yearly budget.
But even as the ministry embarks on the plans to improve its relations, the fragile relationship between Kenya and the west has seen Kenya warm up to the East especially China which is now spearheading fundamental development projects in the country.
There are fears that Kenya’s relationship with the west is on a rocky trend with the latest ban on miraa to the U.K becoming a reality.
Experts further warn that Kenya’s tourism sector has been affected after several western countries issued a travel ban due to insecurity linked to frequent terrorist attacks in the recent past.
They have insisted that it is important for Kenya to dialogue with the west as it cannot afford to alienate itself from the advantages that come with partnerships across countries.
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