From Nairobi to Vatican: Kenya Sets Up Embassy in Vatican to Deepen Global Influence and Development Ties

Kenya will establish an embassy in Vatican City after Cabinet approved the plan this week. The government says the new mission will strengthen diplomatic engagement with the Holy See and support long-term cooperation in peace efforts, humanitarian work, and global development.

The Vatican remains a major voice in international dialogue and charitable outreach. Kenya believes that having a resident embassy will create a more direct path for collaboration. This approach aims to make cooperation faster, more structured, and more impactful.

Catholic-linked development organizations already play a large role in Kenya. They currently operate more than 7,700 schools and almost 500 hospitals and health centers. Their work reaches communities in remote and underserved regions. The government says deeper partnership will help improve education, expand healthcare, and support social welfare programs across the country.

Officials also say the embassy aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. They believe stronger collaboration with Catholic institutions will accelerate community-level development and expand access to essential services.

Cabinet also approved plans to open two more diplomatic missions in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Hanoi, Vietnam. The government says the new posts will expand Kenya’s international presence and create space for new trade and investment opportunities. Copenhagen offers access to global climate innovation networks and Nordic development partnerships. Hanoi provides entry into the fast-growing Southeast Asian market, where trade and manufacturing are expanding rapidly.

The decisions form part of a wider effort to broaden Kenya’s diplomatic reach and increase its voice in international negotiations.

Cabinet further endorsed the Public Finance Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill proposes splitting the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill into two separate laws. One will handle funding from the national revenue share. The other will manage funds sourced through loans and grants. The government says this change will speed up the release of money to county governments. It aims to end funding delays that have slowed local development and disrupted public services.

The reforms are intended to improve efficiency, support county planning, and strengthen the delivery of services to citizens.