NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 30 – Parliament has urged the Government to clear Sh23 million in pending bills owed by the Kenyan Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, after an inspection found financial, staffing and infrastructure challenges at the mission.
Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan called for the settlement of the outstanding bills, saying diplomats serving in Morocco also need improved medical cover, welfare, security and allowances to enable them to effectively carry out their duties.
Hassan was also in support of recommendations by the parliamentary committee to acquire permanent diplomatic premises in Rabat and improve Kenya’s diplomatic and commercial presence in Morocco.
The recommendations include pursuing direct or near-direct flights between Kenya and Morocco, deploying a commercial attaché to Rabat, fast-tracking the proposed OCP fertiliser processing plant and strengthening diaspora and consular services.
The parliamentary inspection report found that the embassy was operating below its approved staffing levels, with 11 employees against an establishment of 15.
It also found that some officers were performing multiple roles, including duties for which they lacked the required qualifications.
The report further cited financial deficits and poor infrastructure as some of the challenges affecting the mission’s operations.
The proposed measures are aimed at addressing the operational challenges at the embassy while strengthening Kenya’s diplomatic, commercial and consular engagement with Morocco.
