Juba denies Nairobi embassy closure over rent arrears
JUBA — The South Sudanese government on Thursday dismissed reports that its embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, has been closed over unpaid rent, describing the situation as a temporary technical issue.
Embassy staff and South Sudanese residents who visited the mission told various media outlets that the South Sudan embassy in Kenya had been closed for over four months due to unpaid rent arrears.
The embassy, located in Nairobi’s Kilimani neighborhood, was reportedly closed on Tuesday, August 11.
Amb. Apuk Ayuel Mayen, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the reports were inaccurate, stressing that the embassy has not been closed because of a rental dispute.
Apuk attributed the disruption to a temporary technical problem, which they said is being addressed to restore normal operations.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has noted reports by media outlets concerning the operations of the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Nairobi, Kenya, and claims regarding the alleged closure of other South Sudanese diplomatic missions abroad,” Apuk said in a statement seen by Sudans Post on Thursday.
“The embassy in Nairobi has not closed. A temporary technical issue affected some of its operations, and the matter is being resolved.”
Apuk also dismissed reports alleging that other South Sudanese embassies had been closed, describing the claims as incorrect.
“The Republic of South Sudan’s diplomatic missions abroad remain operational and continue to discharge their diplomatic functions,” she said.
“The Ministry advises the public and the media to rely on official channels for information concerning the operations of South Sudan’s diplomatic missions abroad.”
On 8th November 2025, the Embassy of South Sudan in Kenya shut down after failing to pay rent for several months, forcing staff out of the building located in Kilimani, Nairobi.
The closure followed repeated delays in settling arrears of $9,000, leaving embassy operations at a standstill.
One week later, on 13th November 2025, the embassy reopened after settling with the landlord dues.
The South Sudanese Embassy in Nairobi is an important diplomatic mission responsible for strengthening bilateral relations between Juba and Nairobi while also providing consular services to South Sudanese citizens in Kenya.
Under South Sudan’s Diplomatic and Consular Service Act, diplomatic missions are mandated to represent the country, protect its interests and citizens, and monitor developments in their host countries.