Foreign relations of Kenya

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kenya maintains relations with various countries around the world. Its closest ties are with its fellow Swahili-speaking neighbors in the African Great Lakes region. Swahili speaking neighbours mainly include countries in the East African Community such as Burundi, the DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Kenya's relations with other states vary. The government of Ethiopia established political links in the colonial period with Kenya's then British administration, and today it is one of several national bodies with a diplomatic presence in Nairobi. Relations with Somalia have historically been tense, although there has been some military co-ordination against insurgents.

Elsewhere, the Kenyan government has political ties with China, India, Pakistan, Russia, United Arab Emirates, and Brazil. It also maintains relations with Western countries, particularly the United Kingdom, although political and economic instabilities are often blamed on Western activities (e.g. colonialism, paternalistic engagement, and post-colonial resource exploitation).

Diplomatic relations

List of countries which Kenya maintains diplomatic relations with:

More information #, Country ...
# Country Date
1 United Kingdom 12 December 1963[1]
2 Ethiopia 12 December 1963[2]
3 France 12 December 1963[3]
4 Ghana 12 December 1963[4]
5 Israel 12 December 1963[5]
6 Serbia 12 December 1963[6]
7 Poland 13 December 1963[7]
8 China 14 December 1963[8]
9 India 14 December 1963[9]
10 Germany 18 December 1963[10]
11 Pakistan 31 January 1964[11]
12 Czech Republic January 1964[12]
13 Sweden January 1964[13]
14 Netherlands 3 February 1964[14]
15 South Korea 7 February 1964[15]
16 Bulgaria 14 February 1964[16]
17 Russia 14 February 1964[17]
18 Norway 22 February 1964[18]
19  Switzerland 28 February 1964[19]
20 United States 2 March 1964[20]
21 Egypt 7 March 1964[21]
22 Hungary 21 March 1964[22]
23 Belgium 29 April 1964[23]
24 Canada 5 May 1964[24]
25 Liberia 21 May 1964[25]
26 Nigeria 28 May 1964[26]
27 Japan 1 June 1964[27]
28 Algeria 23 June 1964[28]
29 Italy 7 July 1964[29]
30 Ivory Coast 10 September 1964[30]
31 Denmark 23 October 1964[31]
32 Mali 4 November 1964[32]
33 Austria 15 December 1964[33]
34 Sudan 28 January 1965[34]
35 Rwanda 11 June 1965[35]
36 Burundi 12 June 1965[36]
37 Finland 14 June 1965[37]
— Holy See 19 June 1965[38]
38 Australia 23 August 1965[39]
39 Malawi 28 September 1965[40]
40 Argentina 31 December 1965[41]
41 Malaysia 1965[42]
42 Morocco 1965[43]
43 Greece 8 December 1966[44]
44 Spain 27 April 1967[45]
45 Guinea 14 June 1967[46]
46 Brazil 4 July 1967[47]
47 Thailand 25 July 1967[48]
48 Lebanon 16 August 1967[49]
49 Botswana 30 October 1967[50]
50 Zambia 5 December 1967[51]
51 Somalia 17 December 1967[52]
52 Turkey 30 March 1968[53]
53 Kuwait 23 April 1968[54]
54 Democratic Republic of the Congo 24 April 1968[55]
55 Lesotho 20 June 1968[56][57]
56 Romania 22 June 1968[58]
57 Tunisia 26 November 1968[59]
58 Iraq 14 April 1969[60]
59 Saudi Arabia 12 May 1969[61]
60 Senegal 13 March 1970[62]
61 Venezuela 30 April 1970[63]
62 Eswatini 18 May 1970[64]
63 Yemen 15 August 1970[65]
64 Sri Lanka 4 September 1970[66]
65 Guyana December 1970[67]
66 Iran 3 October 1971[68]
67 Cameroon 5 September 1972[69]
68 Cyprus 1972[70]
69 Iceland 30 October 1973[71]
70 Colombia 27 January 1975[72]
71   Nepal 3 June 1975[73]
72 Philippines 4 July 1975[74]
73 Chile September 1975[75]
74 Peru 25 February 1976[76]
75 Oman 4 March 1976[77]
76 Jamaica 19 March 1976[78]
77 Gabon 10 July 1976[79]
78 Mozambique 5 November 1976[80]
79 Bangladesh 23 November 1976[81]
80 Portugal 10 January 1977[82]
81 Mexico 15 March 1977[83]
82 Uganda 8 February 1978[84]
83 Libya 7 November 1978[85]
84 Sierra Leone 16 January 1979[86]
85 Ireland 4 April 1979[87]
86 Ecuador 12 October 1979[88]
87 Indonesia 15 October 1979[89]
88 Niger 12 May 1981[90]
89 Benin 12 March 1982[91]
90 Luxembourg 15 May 1982[92]
91 United Arab Emirates 5 June 1982[93]
92 New Zealand 9 June 1982[94]
93 Uruguay 20 July 1982[95]
94 Costa Rica 13 November 1982[96]
95 Albania 2 February 1983[97]
96 Zimbabwe 5 March 1983[98]
97 Tanzania 13 December 1983[99]
98 Djibouti 13 March 1984[100]
99 Togo 9 April 1985[101]
100 Angola 22 July 1985[102]
101 Seychelles 10 January 1990[103]
102 Namibia 21 March 1990[104]
103 Singapore 30 September 1991[105]
104 Slovakia 15 January 1993[106]
105 Ukraine 5 May 1993[107]
106 Armenia 13 July 1993[108]
107 Eritrea 14 September 1993[109]
108 Kazakhstan 15 November 1993[110]
109 Belarus 17 November 1993[111]
110 South Africa 12 April 1994[112][113]
111 Cuba 19 October 1995[114]
112 Maldives 23 October 1995[115]
113 Vietnam 21 December 1995[116]
114 Latvia 23 April 1996[117]
115 Lithuania 28 July 1997[118]
116 Myanmar 26 September 1997[116]
117 Jordan 1998[119][120]
118 Kyrgyzstan 12 December 2000[116]
119 Estonia 31 October 2001[121]
120 Burkina Faso 25 March 2003[122]
121 Qatar 28 December 2003[123]
122 Azerbaijan 28 May 2004[116]
123 Mauritania 20 July 2004[122]
124 Slovenia 3 November 2004[116]
125 Malta 5 November 2004[116]
126 Croatia 1 December 2004[124]
— Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic 25 June 2005[125]
127 North Macedonia 1 February 2006[116]
128 Syria 23 April 2007[126]
129 Chad 26 May 2007[127]
— Sovereign Military Order of Malta 14 September 2007[128]
130 Dominican Republic 9 October 2007[129]
— State of Palestine 26 January 2008[130]
131 Mauritius 16 April 2008[122]
132 Brunei 11 August 2008[131]
133 Guatemala 25 September 2008[116]
134 Bosnia and Herzegovina 26 September 2008[116]
135 North Korea 26 September 2008[116]
136 Gambia 15 October 2008[127]
137 Laos 11 December 2008[132]
138 Paraguay 25 September 2009[116]
139 Trinidad and Tobago 12 October 2009[127]
140 Georgia 2 July 2010[116]
141 Fiji 21 September 2010[116]
142 Bahrain 25 September 2010[116]
143 South Sudan 9 July 2011[133]
144 Montenegro 6 October 2011[116]
145 Cambodia 16 December 2011[116]
146 Mongolia 22 March 2012[116]
147 Republic of the Congo 28 August 2012[127]
148 Barbados 3 September 2014[134]
149 El Salvador 28 September 2015[135]
150 Saint Kitts and Nevis 22 September 2016[116]
151 Nicaragua 30 July 2019[116]
152 Tajikistan 6 August 2019[116]
153 Suriname 24 September 2019[116]
154 Panama 26 September 2019[116]
155 Central African Republic 28 November 2019[136]
156 Saint Lucia 10 December 2019[116]
157 Guinea-Bissau 7 January 2020[137]
158 Dominica 1 July 2020[138]
159 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 12 August 2020[139]
160 San Marino 12 May 2021[140]
161 Honduras 23 September 2021[141]
162 Andorra 16 February 2022[142]
163 Moldova 1 March 2022[116]
164 Liechtenstein 29 April 2022[143]
165 Belize 22 June 2022[144]
166 Antigua and Barbuda 23 June 2022[145]
167 Turkmenistan 14 March 2023[116]
168 Comoros 1 September 2023[146]
169 Grenada 20 September 2023[147]
170 Haiti 20 September 2023[148]
171 Bahamas 19 January 2024[149]
172 Uzbekistan 20 September 2025[150]
173 Monaco 14 October 2025[151]
174 Timor-Leste 16 March 2026[152]
175 Cape Verde Unknown
176 Equatorial Guinea Unknown
177 Madagascar Unknown
178 São Tomé and Príncipe Unknown
Close

Bilateral relations

Africa

East African Community

More information Country, Formal relations established ...
Country Formal relations established Notes
Burundi
Main article: Burundi–Kenya relations

Burundi is a partner of Kenya in many areas, particularly trade, security (military), education, agriculture and energy. In 2011, both countries signed a comprehensive bilateral agreement to promote development and technology transfer in agriculture, livestock and fisheries development between them.

During the Burundian ethnic clashes, a significant number of Burundians took up refuge in Kenya. Burundi, along with Kenya, is one of the Swahili-speaking states in the African Great Lakes region.

  • Burundi has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has an embassy in Bujumbura.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Main article: Democratic Republic of the Congo–Kenya relations

The DRC is a strategic partner of Kenya in many areas, particularly trade and security.

The peace deal between the Government of the DRC and leaders of the M23 rebellion was brokered by multiple parties and was signed in Nairobi in late 2013. M23 was routed in a UN-backed offensive by government troops. Under the deal there would be no amnesty for those wanted for war crimes. The deal was hosted by Uhuru Kenyatta, the President of Kenya.[153] By the end of 2014 both countries were to sign a Joint Commission for Cooperation. Under the agreement Kenya was to establish a consulate in Goma and DRC in Mombasa[154] The deal would help deepen trade and investment between both countries.

Both countries are inhabited by significant Swahili speaking populations, Swahili is the national language in both countries. Kenya and the DRC share some cultural similarities.

  • DR Congo has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has an embassy in Kinshasa.
Rwanda11 June 1965Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 June 1965 when first Ambassador of Rwanda to Kenya (resident in Kampala) Mr. Malahie Musabyimana presented his credentials to President Kenyatta.[155]
Main article: Kenya–Rwanda relations

Kenya is a partner of Rwanda in many areas, particularly trade, security (military), education, agriculture and energy.

It is estimated that there are about 100,000 Rwandese immigrants in Kenya.

Both countries have on multiple occasions signed various memoranda of understanding. These MOUs involve co-operative technical assistance and development between the two countries.[156]

Kenya has a significant expat community in Rwanda.

  • Kenya has a high commission in Kigali.
  • Rwanda has a high commission in Nairobi.
South Sudan
Main article: Kenya–South Sudan relations

South Sudan is a strategic partner of Kenya in many areas. Both countries have cultural similarities as many people from South Sudan lived in Kenya before independence.

Kenya is said to have contributed a to South Sudan's independence. The Machakos Protocol signed in Kenya in 2002 saw a ceasefire signed between Sudan and the Southern Sudanese. It was the first of many agreements that led to the creation of Southern Sudan autonomous region which later on led to the independence of South Sudan in 2011. During the independence movement leaders of the freedom movement lived in Kenya. At the peak of the second Sudanese civil war Kenya hosted about 100,000 South Sudanese people.[157]

  • Kenya has an embassy in Juba.
  • South Sudan has an embassy in Nairobi.
Tanzania13 December 1983Both countries established full diplomatic relations on 13 December 1983[99]
Main article: Kenya–Tanzania relations

Tanzania is a partner of Kenya in many areas, particularly trade, security (military), education, agriculture and energy.

The first high commissions of Kenya in Tanzania and vice versa were opened after the independence of Kenya. However, after the breakup of the EAC in 1977, both countries severed diplomatic ties. The breakup of the first EAC which was founded in 1967 was brought about by ideological differences between Tanzania and Kenya. As it was during the cold war African countries were making decisions on whether to become socialist or capitalist. Kenya's leader Kenyatta was intent on making sure that Kenya wouldn't become socialist and Kenya stuck to capitalism. Tanzania on the other hand championed for Ujamaa, a major African socialist policy.[158]

Tanzania and Kenya resumed diplomatic ties in 1983.[159] By that time, a lot of factors were slowing the idea of Ujamaa in Tanzania among them the war with Uganda and many other social factors.[citation needed]

Today both countries enjoy healthy relations. Both countries are inhabited by the world's largest Swahili speaking populations, Swahili is the official and national language in both countries. Kenya and Tanzania share a lot of cultural similarities.

  • Kenya has a high commission in Dar-es-Salaam.
  • Tanzania has a high commission in Nairobi and a consulate-general in Mombasa.
Uganda8 February 1978Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 February 1978[84]
Main article: Kenya–Uganda relations

The two East African Community countries are partners in many areas, particularly in the trade, infrastructure, security (military), education, agriculture and energy sectors.

From 1961 to 1965, the two states along with Tanzania were united in the East African Common Services Organisation, a common market with a loose federal structure.[160] Kenya and Uganda were also founding members of the original East African Community (EAC), which later collapsed due to ideological differences and territorial disputes within itself.

On 7 July 2000, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania reestablished the EAC. It has contributed a great deal in improving trade and overall relations between Kenya and Uganda.

The countries are both inhabited by significant Swahili-speaking populations, and share significant cultural similarities.

  • Kenya has a high commission in Kampala.
  • Uganda has a high commission in Nairobi.
Close

Rest of Africa

More information Country, Formal relations established ...
Country Formal relations established Notes
Algeria23 June 1964
Main article: Algeria–Kenya relations
Angola22 July 1985Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 July 1985 when Kenya's Ambassador to Angola Mr. John Kaumau Kimani presented his credentials.[161]
Main article: Angola–Kenya relations
  • Angola has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has an embassy in Luanda.
Botswana30 October 1967Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 October 1967.[162]
Main article: Botswana–Kenya relations
  • Botswana has a high commission in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has a high commission in Gaborone.
Djibouti13 March 1984Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 March 1984.[163]
Main article: Djibouti–Kenya relations
  • Djibouti has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has an embassy in Djibouti City.
Egypt
Main article: Egypt–Kenya relations
  • Egypt has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has an embassy in Cairo.
Ethiopia26 June 1964Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 June 1964 and opened Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi.[164][165]
Main article: Ethiopia–Kenya relations

Relations between Kenya and Ethiopia date back to 1954, when the Ethiopian authorities under Haile Selassie I established an honorary consulate general in the British Kenya Colony. In 1961, prior to Kenya's independence, Ethiopia appointed its first ambassador to Kenya, and six years later Kenya opened an embassy in Addis Ababa.[166]

The border between the two countries is based on a treaty signed by Ethiopia and Kenya on 9 June 1970, which determines the present-day boundary, abrogating all previous boundary treaties. This border has been subjected to demarcation.[167]

  • Ethiopia has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has an embassy in Addis Ababa.
Ghana16 December 1963Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 December 1963[168]
Main article: Ghana–Kenya relations
  • Ghana has a high commission in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has a high commission in Accra.
Mozambique5 November 1976Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 November 1976 when Ambassador of Kenya Hon. Kiyinda Nincola, has presented his credentials to President of Mozambique Samora Moises Machel.[80]
Main article: Kenya–Mozambique relations
  • Kenya has a high commission in Maputo.
  • Mozambique has a high commission in Nairobi.
Namibia22 March 1990Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 March 1990 when was officially opened the Kenya High Commission in Windhoek.[104]
Main article: Kenya–Namibia relations
  • Kenya has a high commission in Windhoek.
  • Namibia is accredited to Kenya from its high commission in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
Nigeria
Main article: Kenya–Nigeria relations
  • Kenya has a high commission in Abuja.
  • Nigeria has a high commission in Nairobi.
Somalia
Main article: Kenya–Somalia relations

Relations between Kenya and Somalia have historically been tense. Agitations over self-determination in the Somali-inhabited Northern Frontier District culminated in the Shifta War during the 1960s.[169] Although the conflict ended in a cease-fire, Somalis in the region still identify and maintain close ties with their kin in Somalia.[170]

In October 2011, a coordinated operation between the Somali military and the Kenyan military began against the Al-Shabaab group of insurgents in southern Somalia.[171][172] The mission was officially led by the Somali army, with the Kenyan forces providing a support role.[172] In early June 2012, Kenyan troops were formally integrated into AMISOM.[173]

  • Kenya is accredited to Somalia from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs based in Nairobi.
  • Somalia has an embassy in Nairobi.
South Africa12 April 1994Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 April 1994[174]
Main article: Kenya–South Africa relations
  • Kenya has a high commission in Pretoria.
  • South Africa has a high commission in Nairobi.
Sudan28 January 1965Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 January 1965 when was accredited first ambassador of Sudan to Kenya Sayed Mohammed Mirghani[34]
Main article: Kenya–Sudan relations
  • Kenya has an embassy in Khartoum.
  • Sudan has an embassy in Nairobi.
Zambia
Main article: Kenya–Zambia relations
  • Kenya has a high commission in Lusaka.
  • Zambia has a high commission in Nairobi.
Zimbabwe
Main article: Kenya–Zimbabwe relations
  • Kenya has an embassy in Harare.
  • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Nairobi.
Close

Americas

More information Country, Formal relations established ...
Country Formal relations established Notes
Barbados3 September 2014Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 September 2014[175]
Main article: Barbados–Kenya relations
Brazil4 July 1967Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 July 1967[47]
Main article: Brazil–Kenya relations
  • Brazil has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has an embassy in Brasília.
Canada5 May 1964Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 May 1964[177]
Main article: Canada–Kenya relations
  • Canada has a high commission in Nairobi.[178]
  • Kenya has a high commission in Ottawa.[179]
ChileSeptember 1975Both countries established diplomatic relations in September 1975[180]
Main article: Chile–Kenya relations
  • Chile has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya is accredited to Chile from its embassy in Brasília, Brazil.
Colombia27 January 1975Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 January 1975[181]
Main article: Colombia–Kenya relations
  • Colombia has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya is accredited to Colombia from its embassy in Brasília, Brazil.
Cuba19 October 1995Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 October 1995[182]
Main article: Cuba–Kenya relations
  • Cuba has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has an embassy in Havana.
Jamaica19 March 1976Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 March 1976[183]
Main article: Jamaica–Kenya relations
President Kenyatta made a state visit in August 2019. He met and held talks with Prime Minister Holness.

Kenyatta was the main guest for the celebration of the 57th Independence Day Jamaica.[184] Both leaders (Holness and Kenyatta) also launched the celebrations to mark the International Decade for People of African Descent.[185]

  • Jamaica is accredited to Kenya from its high commission in Pretoria, South Africa.
  • Kenya is accredited to Jamaica from its embassy in Havana, Cuba.
Mexico15 March 1977Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 March 1977[186]
Main article: Kenya–Mexico relations
  • Kenya is represented in Mexico from its embassy in Washington, DC.[187]
  • Mexico has an embassy in Nairobi.[188]
United States12 December 1963
Main article: Kenya–United States relations

After Kenya's independence on 12 December 1963, the United States immediately recognized the new nation and moved to establish diplomatic relations. The embassy in Nairobi was opened on 12 December 1963[189]

Venezuela30 April 1970Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 April 1970[191]
Main article: Kenya–Venezuela relations
  • Kenya is accredited to Venezuela from its embassy in Brasília, Brazil.
  • Venezuela has an embassy in Nairobi.
Close

Asia

More information Country, Formal relations established ...
Country Formal relations established Notes
Azerbaijan 28 May 2004 Main Article: Azerbaijan-Kenya relations
  • Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of  Kenya were established on 28 May 2004[192]
  • Cooperation between the two countries covers such areas as tourism, science, education, and so on.[193]
China14 December 1963Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 December 1963[8]
Main article: China–Kenya relations

Chinese-Kenyan relations date back to 14 December 1963, two days after the formal establishment of Kenyan independence, when China became the fourth country to open an embassy in Nairobi.[194] Military exchange between the two countries has been increasing in the past decade. General Liu Jingsong, commander of the Lanzhou Military Region, led China's first military delegation to Kenya in December 1996; Major General Nick Leshan, commander of the Kenyan air force, paid a return visit in 1997.[195] Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki visited Beijing in August 2005.[196]

  • China has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has an embassy in Beijing.
India14 December 1963Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 December 1963[197]
Main article: India–Kenya relations
  • India has a High Commission in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has a High Commission in New Delhi.
 Indonesia15 October 1979Both countries established diplomatic relations in 15 October 1979[89]
Main article: Indonesia–Kenya relations
  • Indonesia has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has an embassy in Jakarta.
Iran3 October 1971Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 October 1971.[68]
Main article: Iran–Kenya relations
  • Iran has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has an embassy in Tehran.
Israel12 December 1963[198]Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 December 1963 and opened Embassy of Israel in Nairobi. Kenya broken diplomatic relations with Israel on 1 November 1973. Diplomatic relations were re-established on 23 December 1988.[199]
Main article: Israel–Kenya relations
Japan
Main article: Japan–Kenya relations
  • Japan has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has an embassy in Tokyo.
Malaysia1965Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1965[202]
Main article: Kenya–Malaysia relations
  • Kenya has a high commission in Kuala Lumpur.
  • Malaysia has a high commission in Nairobi.
Oman4 March 1976Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 March 1976[77]
Main article: Kenya–Oman relations
  • Kenya has an embassy in Muscat.
  • Oman has an embassy in Nairobi.
Pakistan31 January 1964Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 January 1964 when Mr. K.K.Panni, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Kenya presented his credentials.[11]
Main article: Kenya–Pakistan relations

Relations between Pakistan and Kenya were established in the 1960s, when Pakistan expressed its support for Kenya in obtaining independence from British rule. Ever since, relations between the two nations have been warm; with both countries having had discussed previously in the Pakistan-Kenya Joint Ministerial Commission session which was hosted in Nairobi in 2004, about boosting bilateral trade and economic relations.[203]

  • Kenya has a high commission in Islamabad.
  • Pakistan has a high commission in Nairobi.
Palestine

Both countries maintain diplomatic relations as the State of Palestine maintains an embassy in Nairobi.[204]

Philippines20 May 1975

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 May 1975[205]

The Philippines and Kenya have forged a historic agreement to strengthen ties between both countries. Under a Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation(JCBC)[206]

  • Kenya is accredited to the Philippines from its embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.
  • The Philippines has an embassy in Nairobi.
Qatar28 December 2003Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 December 2003.[123]
Main article: Kenya–Qatar relations
  • Kenya has an embassy in Doha.
  • Qatar has an embassy in Nairobi.
Saudi Arabia12 May 1969Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 May 1969 when Kenya's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Japheth Kimanzi Ilako, has presented his credentials to King Faisal.[61]
Main article: Kenya–Saudi Arabia relations
  • Kenya has an embassy in Riyadh.[207]
  • Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Nairobi.[208]
South Korea7 February 1964Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 February 1964[209]
Main article: Kenya–South Korea relations
Turkey30 March 1968Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 March 1968[210]
Main article: Kenya–Turkey relations
United Arab Emirates5 June 1982Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 June 1982[212]
Main article: Kenya–United Arab Emirates relations
  • Kenya has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Nairobi.
Close

Europe

More information Country, Formal relations established ...
Country Formal relations established Notes
Denmark23 October 1964Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 October 1964 when was accredited first Denmark's ambassador to Kenya Birger Abrahamson[31]
Main article: Denmark-Kenya relations
  • Denmark has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya is accredited to Denmark from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
Finland14 June 1965Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 June 1965[213]
Main article: Finland–Kenya relations
  • Finland has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya is accredited to Finland from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
France12 December 1963Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 December 1963[214]
Main article: France–Kenya relations
  • France has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has an embassy in Paris.
Germany18 December 1963Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 December 1963[215]
Main article: Germany–Kenya relations
  • Germany has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has an embassy in Berlin.
Greece8 December 1966Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 December 1966 when accredited first ambassador of Greece to Kenya with residence in Nairobi Mr. George C. Papadopoulos.[44]
Main article: Greece-Kenya relations
  • Greece has an embassy in Nairobi and an honorary consulate in Mombasa.
  • Kenya is accredited to Greece from its embassy in Rome, Italy and maintains an honorary consulate in Athens.

Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Kenya Archived 23 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine
Consulate of the Republic of Kenya in Hellenic Republic

Italy
Main article: Italy–Kenya relations
  • Italy has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has an embassy in Rome.
Netherlands3 February 1964Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 February 1964 when Mr. W. P. L. G. de Boer, the first Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kenya presented his credentials.[216]
Main article: Kenya–Netherlands relations
  • Kenya has an embassy in The Hague.
  • Netherlands has an embassy in Nairobi.
Norway22 February 1964Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 February 1964[217]
Main article: Kenya–Norway relations
  • Kenya is accredited to Norway from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
  • Norway has an embassy in Nairobi.
Poland13 December 1963Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 December 1963[218]
Main article: Kenya–Poland relations
  • Kenya is accredited to Poland from its embassy in Berlin, Germany.
  • Poland has an embassy in Nairobi.
 Portugal10 January 1977Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1977[219]
  • Kenya is accredited to Portugal from its embassy in Paris, France.
  • Portugal has an embassy in Nairobi.
Russia14 December 1963Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 December 1963[220]
Main article: Kenya–Russia relations
  • Russia has an embassy in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has an embassy in Moscow.
Spain27 April 1967Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 April 1967[221]
Main article: Kenya-Spain relations
  • Kenya has an embassy in Madrid.
  • Spain has an embassy in Nairobi.
SwedenJanuary 1964[13]Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1964[222]
Main article: Kenya–Sweden relations
  • Kenya has an embassy in Stockholm.
  • Sweden has an embassy in Nairobi.
 Switzerland28 February 1964Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 February 1964 when appointed first Ambassador of Switzerland to Kenya (resident in Addis Ababa) Mr. Roger Dürr[223]
Main article: Kenya–Switzerland relations
  • Kenya has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Nairobi
United Kingdom1963
Main article: Kenya–United Kingdom relations
Kenyan President William Ruto with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a United Nations General Assembly in New York City, September 2024.

Kenya established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom in 1963.[224]

The UK governed Kenya from 1895 to 1963, when it achieved full independence.

Both countries share common membership of the Commonwealth, the World Health Organization, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have an Economic Partnership Agreement,[227] a Defence Cooperation Agreement,[228] a Development Partnership,[229] a Double Taxation Agreement,[230] and an Investment Agreement.[231]

In 1895, Britain established the East Africa Protectorate (British East Africa), centred in present-day Kenya and the larger African Great Lakes region. Four years later, the British founded the settlement of Nairobi as a simple rail depot on the railway linking Mombasa to Uganda.[232] The town quickly grew to become the capital of British East Africa in 1905, with Lieutenant Colonel J. Hayes Sadler as the first governor and commander in chief.

In 1920, the East Africa Protectorate was transformed into a British crown colony, the Kenya Colony. In 1952, Elizabeth II, ascended the throne while visiting Kenya on her and the Duke of Edinburgh's tour of the British Empire and Commonwealth. Two years later, Britain founded the Nairobi Securities Exchange as a voluntary association of stockbrokers in the European community registered under the Societies Act.

Close

Oceania

More information Country, Formal relations established ...
Country Formal relations established Notes
Australia23 August 1965Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 August 1965[233]
Main article: Australia–Kenya relations
  • Australia has a high commission in Nairobi.
  • Kenya has a high commission in Canberra.
Close

Kenya and the Commonwealth of Nations

Kenya has been a member state of the Commonwealth of Nations since 1963, when it became independent. The nation became a republic in the Commonwealth of Nations in 1964.

Kenya is also a member of the UN and hosts the UN Office in Nairobi, which is the UN Headquarters in Africa.[234] The office was established in 1996.

International trips made by presidents of Kenya

Uhuru Kenyatta

Further information: List of international presidential trips made by Uhuru Kenyatta
Countries visited by Kenyatta during his presidency 2013-2022

Uhuru Kenyatta made a 119 International trips to 52 countries during his presidency. The president served two full 5-year terms and made more international official visits than any of his predecessors. Kenyatta mainly made a majority of his visits within Africa and also attended various business forums and multi-lateral international events around the world.

William Ruto

Further information: List of international presidential trips made by William Ruto
Countries visited by William Ruto during his presidency

William Ruto made his first international trip in September 2022 since he began his presidency on 13 September 2022.

See also

References

External links

Related Articles

Wikiwand AI