Kenya is preparing to spend millions of shillings on extensive renovation works at its diplomatic properties in Dar es Salaam, as part of efforts to upgrade aging government infrastructure abroad.
According to a public notice issued on January 27, the Kenyan government, through the Kenya High Commission in Tanzania, invited qualified contractors to bid for renovation works under Tender Number KHCD/OT/001/02/2025–2026. The planned works will focus on two key properties that support Kenya’s diplomatic and consular operations in Tanzania.
The renovation exercise targets Harambee Plaza Building and Kenya House (The Chancery), both located in the Oysterbay area of Dar es Salaam.
- Harambee Plaza Building
- Situated on Plot No. 1858, Oysterbay
- Located at the Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road / Kaunda Drive Junction
- Currently houses KCB Bank Tanzania Limited
- Kenya House (The Chancery)
- Situated on Plot No. 1859, Oysterbay
- Located at the Kaunda Drive / Bongoyo Road Junction
- Hosts the official Kenya High Commission offices
Both properties play a central role in supporting Kenya’s diplomatic presence and daily operations in Tanzania.
The High Commission stated that sealed bids must be submitted by Friday, February 6, 2026, at exactly 3:00 PM East African Time. Any bids received after this deadline will not be considered.
Interested contractors are required to collect tender documents in person from the Kenya High Commission offices in Dar es Salaam. Submissions will be accepted on working days only, between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Once opened, the tenders will remain valid for 126 days, giving the government sufficient time to evaluate proposals and award the contract.
All bidding contractors must agree to operate within the guidelines set by the Kenya High Commission and comply fully with Tanzanian building codes, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
The High Commission has advised interested bidders to seek additional information directly from its offices. Site inspections and pre-tender meetings will be arranged after the announcement, between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, at the bidders’ own cost.
All tender-related correspondence and documentation must be prepared and submitted in English.
Kenya’s overseas missions have increasingly come under public attention as many embassy and high commission buildings show signs of age and prolonged wear.
Several of these facilities were either acquired or constructed decades ago and have gone long periods without major refurbishment. Staff posted to different missions have raised concerns about outdated fittings, deteriorating structures, and delays in routine maintenance.
In Dar es Salaam, the condition of Harambee Plaza and Kenya House has highlighted broader challenges facing Kenya’s diplomatic infrastructure abroad.
The Kenya High Commission in Dar es Salaam handles a steadily increasing workload. Its responsibilities include issuing emergency passports, registering births and deaths, and assisting Kenyan citizens facing distress abroad.
The mission also manages immigration-related inquiries for travelers entering Kenya under the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system, which applies to all visitors, including children and infants.
Beyond consular services, the High Commission plays a key role in coordinating bilateral cooperation between Kenya and Tanzania in areas such as trade, security, education, and regional integration within the East African Community and the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
Both Harambee Plaza and Kenya House support these daily activities, hosting staff, delegations, and service counters. As demand continues to grow, the need for upgraded and functional office spaces has become increasingly urgent.
