Cabinet approves establishment of embassies in Vatican City, Denmark, and Vietnam
The Cabinet has approved the establishment of three new embassies in the Vatican City, Denmark, and Vietnam, as part of Kenya’s efforts to expand its diplomatic presence and strengthen global partnerships.
In a statement released after the Cabinet meeting on November 11, 2025, members endorsed the creation of an Embassy of the Republic of Kenya to the Vatican City to deepen diplomatic engagement with the Holy See and advance Kenya’s global, moral, and development diplomacy.
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The Vatican City, home to the Holy See and the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, is widely regarded as a key player in global peace, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian action.
The Cabinet noted that a resident Kenyan embassy will help strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in peace-building, climate action, and humanitarian initiatives.
“A resident embassy will deepen bilateral relations, enhance collaboration in peace-building, climate action, humanitarian initiatives, and strengthen engagement with the Vatican’s global network of faith-based institutions,” read the statement in part.
Kenya also seeks to tap into the Vatican’s vast global network of faith-based organizations.
“The move will also boost cooperation with Catholic development agencies that run more than 7,700 schools and 500 health facilities in Kenya, supporting the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda through expanded partnerships in education, healthcare, and social welfare.”
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the establishment of embassies in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Hanoi, Vietnam, to boost trade, investment, and political cooperation.
The embassy in Denmark will enhance Kenya’s engagement with the Nordic region, especially in renewable energy, green technology, maritime affairs, and climate adaptation, areas where Denmark is a global leader.
Meanwhile, the mission in Vietnam will strengthen Kenya’s ties with the dynamic economies of Southeast Asia, providing new opportunities for trade, tourism, and technical collaboration.
Foreign envoys
This comes a few months after President William Ruto received credentials from six newly appointed foreign envoys, marking a renewed commitment to strengthening Kenya’s diplomatic ties worldwide.
During a ceremony held at the State House, Nairobi, on June 4, 2025, the President welcomed five high commissioners and one ambassador accredited to Kenya.
They include Ernest Rwamucyo of Rwanda, Anthony Louis Kon (South Sudan), Peter Kakowou Lavahun (Sierra Leone), Chiranjib Sarker (Bangladesh), Erika Álvarez Rodríguez (Dominican Republic), and Kan Yaw Kiong (Singapore).
President Ruto extended his best wishes to the diplomats as they begin their tour of duty in the country, expressing optimism that their tenure would further deepen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
“We will keep growing and strengthening our diplomatic footprints across the globe in pursuit of our mutual interest, benefit, and prosperity,” said the president.
The accreditation of the new envoys comes as Kenya continues to expand its international partnerships in trade, security, climate action, and innovation.
