By Shaban Omar
The German Embassy in Kenya has opened its first consular office in Diani, Kwale County.
The new office is expected to serve the coastal region counties of Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa.
German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth said that the new facility will provide vital support for German citizens residing, working, or traveling along Kenya’s coast, offering essential services like passport renewals, visa processing, and emergency assistance.
He noted that over 80,000 German tourists typically visit Diani each year, hence the need to open the office to provide essential services and support in case of emergencies.
“We have so many German tourists visiting this beautiful part of the country each year, which is why we felt it was important to have someone here to support them and provide assistance if anything happens,” he said.
He said the embassy seeks to address the growing demand for consular services due to the increasing number of German nationals and businesses operating in the coastal counties.
Groth added that the office also aims to bring essential services closer to elderly German citizens in the coastal region who may need various forms of assistance, thereby easing their burden.
Previously, many elderly and other German nationals along the coast faced difficulties accessing necessary consular support, often needing to make a long and tiring trip to Nairobi.
He also noted that the office will serve as an accessible contact point for locals interested in engaging with Germany through education, business opportunities, and tourism.
Groth said that the newly launched office will strengthen economic partnerships and create opportunities for young Kenyans interested in working in Germany.
Groth also announced that a labour agreement was signed last week to expand job opportunities in Germany for aspiring Kenyan workers.
He said that the German Embassy plans to work closely with local businesses and authorities to explore new opportunities for investment and development, particularly in the tourism sector, which is vital to the coastal economy.
Diani’s Germany’s Honorary Consul, Stephan Wentzel, expressed gratitude and excitement over the opening of the new office and the enduring relationship between Kenya and Germany.
Wentzel thanked the Kenyan government for its cooperation and the strong bonds that have united the two nations over the years.
“We’re excited to begin this new chapter on the coast and deeply appreciate the longstanding friendship between our countries,” Wentzel said.
Wentzel said that Germany is committed to investing in Kenya, citing the Romika shoe factory in Kinondo, Kwale County as a prime example.
He said that the factory is providing employment opportunities for hundreds of locals hugely contributing to economic stability and development in the region.
Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule said that Germany has long been one of Kenya’s key sources of tourists, and opening the new office in Diani would promote sustainable tourism and support the economic growth of the coastal region.
In addition to economic cooperation, Chibule said the embassy’s presence in Kwale would focus on promoting educational and cultural exchange programs to foster mutual understanding and appreciation between Kenyans and Germans.
“We share a strong relationship that spans sports, culture, and tourism, enriching the local cultural landscape and offering Kenyans valuable opportunities to learn about German heritage,” she said.
Mombasa County Governor representative Farida Abdallah expressed her excitement about the opening of the German consular office in the coastal region, calling it a game changer for the local economy.
Abdallah said that the embassy’s decision to establish its office in Diani is expected to enhance tourism by attracting more German visitors to the coast.
She also pointed out that with improved access to the southern coast through the Dongo Kundu Bypass, the region stands to see expanded economic and tourism opportunities.
Abdallah said she is confident that the new development would not only increase the region’s appeal but also create jobs and drive growth in the hospitality and service sectors.
