Kenyan High Court Suspends Gates Foundation’s Diplomatic Immunity

November 27, 2024: The High Court of Kenya has issued an interim order suspending the immunity and privileges granted to the Gates Foundation. This action came in response to a petition by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which questioned the legality and necessity of the immunity under Kenya's Privileges and Immunities Act​.

The court's suspension means that the Foundation and its officials can no longer enjoy exemptions from legal actions, taxes, or other diplomatic protections that were previously granted. The Kenyan government had initially conferred these privileges on the Foundation, citing its significant contributions to development projects in over 140 countries, including Kenya. 

However, the move sparked public and legal scrutiny, leading to the court's intervention.

The matter will be revisited in February 2025, when the court will assess compliance with its orders and possibly decide on the final status of the Foundation's diplomatic privileges.

Also Read:

• Auditor-General Report: Ksh 11.66 Billion Goes Missing from Affordable Housing Program
• Mudavadi Announces 27 New Sub-Counties in a Landmark Administrative Overhaul