Hesbon Imbwaka, the chief gardener at the German Embassy in Kenya, received multiple chickens as a retirement gift after 34 years in the role.
On Friday, August 29, German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth revealed on social media that the gardener had chosen chickens in order to start a poultry business after retirement. This was despite Groth previously suggesting that he would receive over 50 cars.
“Hey guys - I noticed that you followed the retirement of our Chief gardener Hesbon with big interest. Today was his very last day. Wanted to hand him over the 68 German machines. He opted for some chicken instead to start off a poultry farm. That is the real Luhya-spirit,” Groth said.
The story of Imbwaka gained significant traction on social media after Groth initially disclosed on August 1 that the long-serving employee was retiring. This sparked queries from Kenyans about what Imbwaka would receive as a retirement gift.
“Today we bid farewell to Bwana Hesbon Imbwaka who retires after 34 years of excellent service for the German Embassy in Nairobi. Goodbye and we will meet soon Hesbon!” he stated in the post.
In the announcement, Groth had posted a picture of him and Imbwaka holding a certificate.
Interested Kenyans had questioned the diplomat on whether Imbwaka was only going to receive a certificate as a reward for his service.
This resulted in a response from Groth, who perhaps in a light note, revealed that Imbwaka would receive one Mercedes Benz and one BMW vehicle for every year of service in the embassy. The two models are high-end vehicles, and mostly reserved as a luxury of the rich.
“Is the certificate the only thing you have farewelled him with???” posed one user to Groth, to which he responded with, “He will get one Mercedes and one BMW for every year in service.”
In Kenya, the typical retirement package for a locally hired employee at a foreign embassy in Nairobi, including the German Embassy, would consist of the mandatory benefits under Kenyan law (such as NSSF contributions) in addition to any supplementary benefits that the embassy may offer.
Imbwaka’s case had a special touch, largely due to his extended period of service to the embassy, dating back to the early 1990s.
Groth is known for his sense of humour, particularly on his social media platforms, as he interacts with his followers and other users. He has also been seen walking freely in the streets of Nairobi, despite his high-profile diplomatic role.
Aside from Kenya, Groth is also the German Ambassador to Somalia and Seychelles, as well as the Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-HABITAT.
He has had an extensive diplomatic career, having held various positions in the German Federal Foreign Office.
