H.E. Ambassador David Kerich
Head of Mission
About the mission
About the Kenya Embassy in Washington D.C.
The Republic of Kenya's diplomatic mission to the United States: consular services, diaspora support and economic diplomacy.
About this mission
Who we are
Our mission
To protect, promote and project Kenya’s political, economic, cultural and social interests in USA and the five countries that the Mission is accredited to through effective diplomatic representation.
Our vision
To be a leading and innovative Mission in fostering Kenya’s global presence and advancing its national interests.
Our values
- Patriotism
- Integrity
- Sustainable Development
- Good governance
- Inclusivity
- Professionalism
Our history
- 1964
The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Washington, D.C. was established on 1st March 1964, shortly after Kenya attained independence on 12th December 1963, with the mandate to promote, protect, and project Kenya’s political, economic, and social interests in the United States of America.
- 2018
Notably, in August 2018, Kenya–United States relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership, anchored on four pillars: economic prosperity and trade, defense cooperation, governance and civilian security, and multilateral and regional affairs, with a fifth pillar on health cooperation subsequently incorporated under the Bilateral Strategic Dialogue framework.
What we do
- Protect Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Enhance regional and global peace, security, and stability.
- Enhance Economic and Commercial Diplomacy.
- Pursue bilateral cooperation, regional integration and international cooperation.
- Enhance Diaspora engagement and consular services.
- Strengthen public diplomacy, cultural heritage and stakeholder engagement.
- 7. Strengthen policy, legal and institutional capacity.
The Embassy’s mandate is to implement Kenya’s Foreign Policy and to protect, promote, and project Kenya’s interests in the United States of America, as well as in its countries of accreditation to Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Service delivery charter
What to expect from us
| Service | What you bring | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coordinate Kenya’s participation in events/fora organized in the countries of accreditation to promote trade, investment and tourism | • Active participation of the line Ministries, Departments and Agencies •Invitation to the events | Nil | • As per the stakeholders agreed deadlines |
| Dissemination of information on trade, tourism and investment in Kenya to prospective investors in the countries of accreditation | • Request for information • Program to reach out to the prospective investors | Nil | • Within 10 minutes for prior informed requests • Within one day without prior information |
| Facilitate issuance of various visas, Passport, Passport renewals, Kenyan ID’s, birth certificates and other consular services | • Receipt of request • Proof of payment of required fees • Necessary approvals from Kenya government ministries/ Departments/ Agencies (MDAs) | Ranges from USD 20 – USD 300 | • Immediately for emergency travel certificates and one day to ten weeks for other documents. |
| Authentication of documents | • Presentation of valid/original documents | USD 50 | • Promptly/within one (1) working day • For queries requiring consultation, an initial reply indicating when full response should be expected. |
| Payment of goods and services | • Purchase/service orders • Delivery certification of service • Receipt of vouchers • Invoices/Demand notes | Nil | • Within 14 working days upon receipt of requisite documents |
| Response to correspondences (letters, note verbal’s, emails e.t.c) | • Receipt of correspondence | Nil | • Within five (5) working days for letters • Within two (2) days for emails • For complex issues, will give initial reply indicating when full response should be expected. |
| Answering incoming calls | • Incoming calls | Nil | • Within three (3) rings |
Heads of mission
Those who have served
- July 2020–June 2024
Amb. Lazarus Amayo
- November 2014–May 2019
Amb. Robinson Githae
- July 2020–July 2013
Amb. Elkanah Odembo
- August 2006–June 2010
Amb. Peter N.R.O. Ogego
- May 2004–October 2005
Amb. Leonard Ngaithe
- July 2000–May 2004
Amb. Yusuf Nzibo
- November 1997–November 1999
Amb. Samson K. Chemai
- May 1994–September 1997
Amb. Benjamin K. Kipkorir
- February 1988–December 1993
Amb. Dennis Afande
- July 1984–May 1986
Amb. Wafula Wabuge
- March 1977–June 1983
Amb. John P. Mbogua
- December 1970–February 1977
Amb. Leonard O. Kibinge
- December 1963–September 1970
Amb. Burudi Nabwera
Our work
Representing Kenya in the United States
The Kenya Embassy in Washington D.C. serves and protects Kenyans living, working and travelling in the United States, supports the diaspora, promotes trade and investment between the two countries, and represents Kenya's foreign-policy interests.
What we do for you
- Consular services
- Book an appointment
- Register with the mission
- Diaspora services
- Trade and investment
- Travel advisories
The people.webp)
Our team
Mission leadership
Amb. Christopher Kirigua, MBS
Deputy Head of Mission
Mission team
Amb. David Kerich
Head of Mission
Amb. Christopher Kirigua
Deputy Head of Mission
Boniface Munzala
Minister and Head of Chancery
Col. Christopher Mbutu
Defence Attaché
Nancy Riungu
Minister
Samwel Ogora
First Secretary
Alison Mbaluto
Second Secretary
Geofrey Juma
Second Secretary
Geoffrey Odero
Trade Attaché
Peter Karoki
Immigration Attaché
Boniface Kiruga
Immigration Attaché
John Musembi
Financial Attaché
Bartholomew Lumbasi
Education Attaché
Evaline Onyuma
Administrative Attaché
Philip Mutisya
Records Attaché
Joseph Karani
Immigration Attaché
Bilateral relations
Kenya and the United States
Kenya and the United States are strategic partners, cooperating closely on trade, security, health and democratic governance across the region.
Kenya’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally reflects the depth of a partnership that also includes significant investment, development and people-to-people ties.
Trade The United States is a leading market for Kenyan exports under AGOA and a major investor.
5 areas of cooperation
- Trade and the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership
- Security and counter-terrorism
- Health and global health security
- Technology and the digital economy
- Democracy and governance
Get in touch
Contact us
Enquiry sent
Thank you. We have logged your enquiry under reference and will reply by email within 2 working days.
In an emergency abroad? Do not wait for an email reply. Call the 24/7 consular line on +254 20 331 8888.
Good to know
Before you visit
What to bring
- Your booking reference (book online before you come).
- A valid passport or national ID, and a photocopy.
- The supporting documents for your service.
- Proof of any eCitizen payment for the service.
- Arrive about 10 minutes early, with a pen.
If you live far from Washington D.C., ask the mission about honorary consuls or mobile consular clinics near you.
When we're closed
The mission observes Kenyan public holidays and the local public holidays of the United States.
Kenyan public holidays
- 1 JunMadaraka Day
- 10 OctUtamaduni (Huduma) Day
- 20 OctMashujaa Day
- 12 DecJamhuri Day
- 25–26 DecChristmas and Boxing Day
- 1 JanNew Year's Day
- VariesGood Friday, Easter Monday and Eid