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:
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.
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.[147]
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[148] 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.
Both 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.[149]
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.[150]
Kenya has a significant expat community in Rwanda.
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.[151]
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.[153]
Tanzania and Kenya resumed diplomatic ties in 1983.[154] 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.
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.[156] 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.
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 June 1964 when the Algerian ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Nouredien Djoudi, presented his credentials to the Governor-General.[157]
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 July 1985 when Kenya's Ambassador to Angola Mr. John Kaumau Kimani presented his credentials.[158]
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 March 1982 when first ambassador of Kenya to Benin Alfred Imbahale Machayo presented his credentials to Head of State of Benin Mr. Mathieu Kérékou.[159]
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 September 1964 when Mr. Honore Polneau, the Ivory Coast's Ambassador in Tanzania, has been nominated in addition as Ambassador to Kenya.[162]
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 September 1993 when Beyene Russom presented his credentials as Eritrea first ambassador of Kenya to President Moi[164]
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 May 1970 when first High Commissioner of Swaziland to Kenya Mr. Martin Buya Ndiniso, has presented his credentials to President Kenyatta.[165]
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.[168]
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.[169]
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 July 1976 when first Ambassador of Gabon to Kenya Mr. Pierre Mebaley presented his credentials to President Kenyatta.[79]
Both 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]
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 May 1981 when Ambassador of Niger to Kenya presented his credentials to President Daniel Arap Moi.[174]
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.[175] Although the conflict ended in a cease-fire, Somalis in the region still identify and maintain close ties with their kin in Somalia.[176]
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.[177][178] The mission was officially led by the Somali army, with the Kenyan forces providing a support role.[178] In early June 2012, Kenyan troops were formally integrated into AMISOM.[179]
Kenya is accredited to Somalia from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs based in Nairobi.
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 April 1985 when Ambassador of Kenya Mr. Kefa Onyoni presented letters of credentials to President of Togo, general Gnassingbe Eyadema.[182]
During Prime Minister'sMottley's visit in late 2019 she opened the CARICOM office in Nairobi, Kenya which will be a joint diplomatic mission for Caribbean countries.[184]
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 November 1982 when first ambassador of Costa Rica to Kenya Mr. Miguel Yamuni presented his credentials to Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi.[190]
Costa Rica has an embassy in Nairobi.
Kenya does not have an accreditation to Costa Rica.
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[199]
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 November 1976 when the first Bangladesh Ambassador to Kenya Mr. Muhammad Sultan, presented his credentials to President Kenyatta[81]
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.[206] 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.[207] Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki visited Beijing in August 2005.[208]
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.[211]
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 April 1968 when has been accredited first Ambassador of Kuwait to Kenya with residence in Nairobi Mr. Mohammad A. Al-Mishari.[214]
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 January 1964 when Mr. K.K.Panni, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Kenya presented his credentials.[217]
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.[218]
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 May 1975[220]
The Philippines and Kenya have forged a historic agreement to strengthen ties between both countries. Under a
Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation(JCBC)[221]
Kenya is accredited to the Philippines from its embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Both 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.[223]
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 September 1970 when Mr. Fonseca has been appointed the first Ceylonese High Commissioner to Kenya.[227]
Diplomatic relations were established on 29 April 1964 when Mr. A. Bullens, Belgian Ambassador to Kenya, presented his credentials to the Governor-General.[232]
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 December 1966 when accredited first ambassador of Greece to Kenya with residence in Nairobi Mr. George C. Papadopoulos.[237]
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 April 1979 when the first Irish Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Michael Christopher Green presented his credentials to President Moi.[238]
Both 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.[239]
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 February 1964 when appointed first Ambassador of Switzerland to Kenya (resident in Addis Ababa) Mr. Roger Dürr[246]
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.[252] 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.
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 June 1982 when New Zealand's first High Commissioner to Kenya (resident in Athens) Mr. Paul Cotton presented his credentials to President Daniel T. Moi in Nairobi[254]
Kenya is accredited to New Zealand from its high commission in Canberra.
New Zealand is accredited to Kenya from its embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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.
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