Britain closes its Mombasa consulate, following security threats

MOMBASA COUNTY: Head of Communication in the British High commission in Nairobi Mr Stephen Burns confirmed that the honorary British Consulate office in has not been operating since May 14 this year when his country issued travel advisory in Mombasa and Diani in the South Coast.

He told The Standard on Saturday that the consulate based in Cotts House on Moi Avenue has not been operating since last month but claimed its closure was not unique and was based on reliable information.

The Standard on Saturday established that the flag and official insignia of the consulate have been pulled down and security posted on the first floor office declined to divulge any information to the press.

"Yes it is true we do not have British consulate in Mombasa. We have advised a British who want any help to come to the High Commission office in Nairobi because we have closed honorary consulate office until further notice" said Burns.

He however, said they will still consider having one in the future stressing that the closure was just temporary.

"If you want more details please go to UK government website which has all the details”, said Burns.

Besides the British key Western embassies including Germany, France and Israel have consulates in the coastal town.

African nations and Middle East nations like Yemen, Mozambique and Tanzania cater for their nation's consular interests in the Coast.

The US shut down its consulate in Mombasa a decade ago.