Kenyaportal |
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).
List of countries which Kenya maintains diplomatic relations with:
# | Country | Date |
---|---|---|
1 | Ethiopia | 12 December 1963 [1] |
2 | United Kingdom | 12 December 1963 [2] |
3 | France | 12 December 1963 [3] |
4 | Israel | 12 December 1963 [4] |
5 | Serbia | 12 December 1963 [5] |
6 | Poland | 13 December 1963 [6] |
7 | China | 14 December 1963 [7] |
8 | India | 14 December 1963 [8] |
9 | Ghana | 16 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 | Finland | 14 June 1965 [36] |
— | Holy See | 19 June 1965 [37] |
37 | Australia | 23 August 1965 [38] |
38 | Malawi | 28 September 1965 [39] |
39 | Argentina | 31 September 1965 [40] |
40 | Malaysia | 1965 [41] |
41 | Morocco | 1965 [42] |
42 | Greece | 8 December 1966 [43] |
43 | Spain | 27 April 1967 [44] |
44 | Guinea | 14 June 1967 [45] |
45 | Brazil | 4 July 1967 [46] |
46 | Thailand | 25 July 1967 [47] |
47 | Lebanon | 16 August 1967 [48] |
48 | Botswana | 30 October 1967 [49] |
49 | Zambia | 5 December 1967 [50] |
50 | Somalia | 17 December 1967 [51] |
51 | Burundi | 1967 [52] [53] |
52 | Turkey | 30 March 1968 [54] |
53 | Kuwait | 23 April 1968 [55] |
54 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 24 April 1968 [56] |
55 | Lesotho | 20 June 1968 [57] [58] |
56 | Romania | 22 June 1968 [59] |
57 | Tunisia | 26 November 1968 [60] |
58 | Iraq | 14 April 1969 [61] |
59 | Saudi Arabia | 12 May 1969 [62] |
60 | Senegal | 13 March 1970 [63] |
61 | Venezuela | 30 April 1970 [64] |
62 | Eswatini | 18 May 1970 [65] |
63 | Yemen | 15 August 1970 [66] |
64 | Guyana | December 1970 [67] |
65 | Sri Lanka | 1970 [68] |
66 | Iran | 3 October 1971 [69] |
67 | Cameroon | 5 September 1972 [70] |
68 | Cyprus | 1972 [71] |
69 | Iceland | 30 October 1973 [72] |
70 | Colombia | 27 January 1975 [73] |
71 | Nepal | 3 June 1975 [74] |
72 | Philippines | 4 July 1975 [75] |
73 | Chile | September 1975 [76] |
74 | Peru | 25 February 1976 [77] |
75 | Oman | 4 March 1976 [78] |
76 | Jamaica | 19 March 1976 [79] |
77 | Gabon | 10 July 1976 [80] |
78 | Mozambique | 5 November 1976 [81] |
79 | Bangladesh | 23 November 1976 [82] |
80 | Portugal | 10 January 1977 [83] |
81 | Mexico | 15 March 1977 [84] |
82 | Uganda | 8 February 1978 [85] |
83 | Libya | 7 November 1978 [86] |
84 | Sierra Leone | 16 January 1979 [87] |
85 | Ireland | 4 April 1979 [88] |
86 | Indonesia | 15 October 1979 [89] |
87 | Niger | 12 May 1981 [90] |
88 | Benin | 12 March 1982 [91] |
89 | United Arab Emirates | 5 June 1982 [92] |
90 | New Zealand | 9 June 1982 [93] |
91 | Uruguay | 20 July 1982 [94] |
92 | Costa Rica | 13 November 1982 [95] |
93 | Albania | 2 February 1983 [96] |
94 | Zimbabwe | 5 March 1983 [97] |
95 | Tanzania | 13 December 1983 [98] |
96 | Djibouti | 13 March 1984 [99] |
97 | Togo | 9 April 1985 [100] |
98 | Angola | 22 July 1985 [101] |
99 | Seychelles | 10 January 1990 [102] |
100 | Namibia | 21 March 1990 [103] |
101 | Singapore | 30 September 1991 [104] |
102 | South Africa | 8 May 1992 [105] |
103 | Slovakia | 15 January 1993 [106] |
104 | Ukraine | 5 May 1993 [107] |
105 | Armenia | 13 July 1993 [108] |
106 | Eritrea | 14 September 1993 [109] |
107 | Kazakhstan | 15 November 1993 [110] |
108 | Belarus | 17 November 1993 [111] |
109 | Luxembourg | 20 September 1995 [112] |
110 | Cuba | 19 October 1995 [113] |
111 | Maldives | 23 October 1995 [114] |
112 | Vietnam | 21 December 1995 [115] |
113 | Latvia | 23 April 1996 [116] |
114 | Lithuania | 28 July 1997 [117] |
115 | Myanmar | 26 September 1997 [115] |
116 | Jordan | 1998 [118] [119] |
117 | Kyrgyzstan | 12 December 2000 [115] |
118 | Estonia | 31 October 2001 [120] |
119 | Burkina Faso | 25 March 2003 [121] |
120 | Qatar | 28 December 2003 [122] |
121 | Azerbaijan | 28 May 2004 [115] |
122 | Mauritania | 20 July 2004 [121] |
123 | Slovenia | 3 November 2004 [115] |
124 | Malta | 5 November 2004 [115] |
125 | Croatia | 1 December 2004 [123] |
— | Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic | 25 June 2005 [124] |
126 | North Macedonia | 1 February 2006 [115] |
127 | Syria | 23 April 2007 [125] |
128 | Chad | 26 May 2007 [126] |
— | Sovereign Military Order of Malta | 14 September 2007 [127] |
129 | Dominican Republic | 9 October 2007 [128] |
130 | Mauritius | 16 April 2008 [121] |
131 | Brunei | 11 August 2008 [129] |
132 | Guatemala | 25 September 2008 [115] |
133 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 26 September 2008 [115] |
134 | North Korea | 26 September 2008 [115] |
135 | Gambia | 15 October 2008 [126] |
136 | Laos | 11 December 2008 [130] |
137 | Paraguay | 25 September 2009 [115] |
138 | Trinidad and Tobago | 12 October 2009 [126] |
139 | Georgia | 2 July 2010 [115] |
140 | Fiji | 21 September 2010 [115] |
141 | Bahrain | 25 September 2010 [115] |
142 | South Sudan | 9 July 2011 [131] |
143 | Montenegro | 6 October 2011 [115] |
144 | Cambodia | 16 December 2011 [115] |
145 | Mongolia | 22 March 2012 [115] |
146 | Republic of the Congo | 28 August 2012 [126] |
147 | Barbados | 3 September 2014 [132] |
148 | El Salvador | 28 September 2015 [133] |
— | State of Palestine | 12 December 2015 [134] |
149 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 22 September 2016 [115] |
150 | Nicaragua | 30 July 2019 [115] |
151 | Tajikistan | 6 August 2019 [115] |
152 | Suriname | 24 September 2019 [115] |
153 | Panama | 26 September 2019 [115] |
154 | Saint Lucia | 10 December 2019 [115] |
155 | Guinea-Bissau | 7 January 2020 [135] |
156 | Dominica | 1 July 2020 [136] |
157 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 12 August 2020 [137] |
158 | San Marino | 12 May 2021 [138] |
159 | Honduras | 23 September 2021 [139] |
160 | Andorra | 16 February 2022 [140] |
161 | Moldova | 1 March 2022 [115] |
162 | Liechtenstein | 29 April 2022 [141] |
163 | Belize | 22 June 2022 [142] |
164 | Antigua and Barbuda | 23 June 2022 [143] |
165 | Turkmenistan | 14 March 2023 [115] |
166 | Comoros | 1 September 2023 [144] |
167 | Haiti | 20 September 2023 [145] |
168 | Grenada | 20 September 2023 [146] |
169 | Bahamas | 19 January 2024 [147] |
170 | Cape Verde | Unknown |
171 | Central African Republic | Unknown |
172 | Equatorial Guinea | Unknown |
173 | Ecuador | Unknown |
174 | Madagascar | Unknown |
175 | São Tomé and Príncipe | Unknown |
Country | Formal relations established | Notes |
---|---|---|
Burundi | 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.
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Democratic Republic of the Congo | 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. [148] 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 [149] 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.
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Rwanda | 11 June 1965 | 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. [150] 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. [151] Kenya has a significant expat community in Rwanda.
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South Sudan | 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. [152]
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Tanzania | 13 December 1983 | Both countries established full diplomatic relations on 13 December 1983 [153] 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. [154] Tanzania and Kenya resumed diplomatic ties in 1983. [155] 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.
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Uganda | 8 February 1978 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 February 1978 [156] 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. [157] 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.
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Country | Formal relations established | Notes |
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Algeria | 23 June 1964 | 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. [158] |
Angola | 22 July 1985 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 July 1985 when Kenya's Ambassador to Angola Mr. John Kaumau Kimani presented his credentials. [159]
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Benin | 12 March 1982 | 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. [160] |
Botswana | 30 October 1967 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 October 1967. [161]
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Cameroon | 5 September 1972 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 September 1972 [162] |
Cote d'Ivoire | 10 September 1964 | 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. [163] |
Djibouti | 13 March 1984 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 March 1984. [164]
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Egypt |
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Eritrea | 14 September 1993 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 September 1993 when Beyene Russom presented his credentials as Eritrea first ambassador of Kenya to President Moi [165] |
Eswatini | 18 May 1970 | 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. [166] |
Ethiopia | 26 June 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 June 1964 and opened Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi. [167] [168] 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. [169] 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. [170]
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Gabon | 10 July 1976 | 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. [80] |
Ghana | 16 December 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 December 1963 [171]
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Libya | 7 November 1978 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 November 1978 [172] |
Madagascar |
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Malawi | 28 September 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 September 1965 [173] |
Mozambique | 5 November 1976 | 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. [81]
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Namibia | 22 March 1990 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 March 1990 when was officially opened the Kenya High Commission in Windhoek. [174]
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Niger | 12 May 1981 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 May 1981 when Ambassador of Niger to Kenya presented his credentials to President Daniel Arap Moi. [175] |
Nigeria |
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Somalia | 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. [176] Although the conflict ended in a cease-fire, Somalis in the region still identify and maintain close ties with their kin in Somalia. [177] 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. [178] [179] The mission was officially led by the Somali army, with the Kenyan forces providing a support role. [179] In early June 2012, Kenyan troops were formally integrated into AMISOM. [180]
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South Africa | 12 April 1994 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 April 1994 [181]
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Sudan | 28 January 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 January 1965 when was accredited first ambassador of Sudan to Kenya Sayed Mohammed Mirghani [182]
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Togo | 9 April 1985 | 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. [183] |
Zambia |
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Zimbabwe |
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Country | Formal relations established | Notes |
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Barbados | 3 September 2014 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 September 2014 [184]
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Brazil | 4 July 1967 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 July 1967 [46]
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Canada | 5 May 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 May 1964 [186] |
Chile | September 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in September 1975 [189]
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Colombia | 27 January 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 January 1975 [190]
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Costa Rica | 13 November 1982 | 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. [191]
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Cuba | 19 October 1995 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 October 1995 [192]
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Jamaica | 19 March 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 March 1976 [193] 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. [194] Both leaders (Holness and Kenyatta) also launched the celebrations to mark the International Decade for People of African Descent. [195]
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Mexico | 15 March 1977 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 March 1977 [196] |
Peru | 25 February 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 February 1976 [199]
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United States | 12 December 1963 | 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 [200]
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Uruguay | 20 July 1982 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 July 1982 [202] |
Venezuela | 30 April 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 April 1970 [203]
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Country | Formal relations established | Notes |
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Azerbaijan | 28 May 2004 | Main Article: Azerbaijan-Kenya relations |
Bangladesh | 23 November 1976 | 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 [82] |
China | 14 December 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 December 1963 [206] 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. [207] 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. [208] Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki visited Beijing in August 2005. [209]
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India | 14 December 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 December 1963 [210]
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Indonesia | 15 October 1979 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in 15 October 1979 [89]
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Iran | 3 October 1971 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 October 1971. [69]
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Israel | 12 December 1963 [211] | 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. [212] |
Japan |
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Kuwait | 23 April 1968 | 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. [215] |
Malaysia | 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1965 [216]
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Oman | 4 March 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 March 1976 [217]
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Pakistan | 31 January 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 January 1964 when Mr. K.K.Panni, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Kenya presented his credentials. [218] 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. [219]
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Palestine | Both countries maintain diplomatic relations as the State of Palestine maintains an embassy in Nairobi. [220] | |
Philippines | 20 May 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 May 1975 [221] The Philippines and Kenya have forged a historic agreement to strengthen ties between both countries. Under a Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation(JCBC) [222] |
Qatar | 28 December 2003 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 December 2003. [223]
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Saudi Arabia | 12 May 1969 | 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. [224] |
South Korea | 7 February 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 February 1964 [227] |
Sri Lanka | 4 September 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 September 1970 when Mr. Fonseca has been appointed the first Ceylonese High Commissioner to Kenya. [228] |
Turkey | 30 March 1968 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 March 1968 [229] |
United Arab Emirates | 5 June 1982 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 June 1982 [231] |
Country | Formal relations established | Notes |
---|---|---|
Austria | 15 December 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 December 1964 when established Austrian Embassy in Nairobi. [232]
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Belgium | 29 April 1964 | Diplomatic relations were established on 29 April 1964 when Mr. A. Bullens, Belgian Ambassador to Kenya, presented his credentials to the Governor-General. [233]
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Denmark | 23 October 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 October 1964 when was accredited first Denmark's ambassador to Kenya Birger Abrahamson [234]
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Finland | 14 June 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 June 1965 [235]
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France | 12 December 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 December 1963 [236]
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Germany | 18 December 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 December 1963 [237]
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Greece | 8 December 1966 | 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. [238]
Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Kenya Archived 23 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine |
Ireland | 4 April 1979 | 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. [239]
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Italy |
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Netherlands | 3 February 1964 | 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. [240]
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Norway | 22 February 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 February 1964 [241]
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Portugal | 10 January 1977 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1977 [242]
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Poland | 13 December 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 December 1963 [243]
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Russia | 14 December 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 December 1963 [244]
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Spain | 27 April 1967 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 April 1967 [245]
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Sweden | January 1964 [13] | Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1964 [246]
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Switzerland | 28 February 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 February 1964 when appointed first Ambassador of Switzerland to Kenya (resident in Addis Ababa) Mr. Roger Dürr [247]
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United Kingdom | 12 December 1963 | Kenya established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 12 December 1963.
The UK governed Kenya from 1895 to 1963, when it achieved full independence. Both countries share common membership of the Commonwealth, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have an Economic Partnership Agreement, [249] a Defence Cooperation Agreement, [250] a Development Partnership, [251] and an Investment Agreement. [252] 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. [253] 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. |
Country | Formal relations established | Notes |
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Australia | 23 August 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 August 1965 [254]
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New Zealand | 9 June 1982 | 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 [255]
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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. [256] The office was established in 1996.
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 made his first international trip in September of 2022 since he began his presidency on 13 September 2022.
Burundi's relations with its neighbours have often been affected by security concerns. During the Burundian Civil War, hundreds of thousands of Burundian refugees have at various times crossed to neighboring Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Some Burundian rebel groups have used neighboring countries as bases for insurgent activities. The 1993 embargo placed on Burundi by regional states hurt diplomatic relations with its neighbors; relations have improved since the 1999 suspension of these sanctions.
The foreign relations of Chad are significantly influenced by the desire for oil revenue and investment in Chadian oil industry and support for former Chadian President Idriss Déby. Chad is officially non-aligned but maintains close relations with France, its former colonial power. Relations with neighbouring countries Libya and Sudan vary periodically. Lately, the Idris Déby regime waged an intermittent proxy war with Sudan. Aside from those two countries, Chad generally enjoys good relations with its neighbouring states.
Cameroon's noncontentious, low-profile approach to foreign relations puts it squarely in the middle of other African and developing country states on major issues. It supports the principles of non-interference in the affairs of third world countries and increased assistance to underdeveloped countries. Cameroon is an active participant in the United Nations, where its voting record demonstrates its commitment to causes that include international peacekeeping, the rule of law, environmental protection, and Third World economic development. In the UN and other human rights fora, Cameroon's non-confrontational approach has generally led it to avoid criticizing other countries.
In November 1975, Comoros became the 143rd member of the United Nations. The new nation was defined as consisting of the entire archipelago, despite the fact that France maintains control over Mayotte.
Gabon has followed a non-aligned policy, advocating dialogue in international affairs and recognizing both parts of divided countries. Since 1973, the number of countries establishing diplomatic relations with Gabon has doubled. In inter-African affairs, Gabon espouses development by evolution rather than revolution and favors regulated free enterprise as the system most likely to promote rapid economic growth. Concerned about stability in Central Africa and the potential for intervention, Gabon has been directly involved with mediation efforts in Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Angola, and former Zaire. In December 1999, through the mediation efforts of President Bongo, a peace accord was signed in the Republic of Congo between the government and most leaders of an armed rebellion. President Bongo has remained involved in the continuing Congolese peace process. Gabon has been a strong proponent of regional stability, and Gabonese armed forces played an important role in the UN Peacekeeping Mission to the Central African Republic (MINURCA).
The foreign relations of Ghana are controlled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana. Ghana is active in the United Nations and many of its specialised agencies, the World Trade Organization, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States. Ghana generally follows the consensus of the Non-aligned Movement and the OAU on economic and political issues not directly affecting its own interests. Ghana has been extremely active in international peacekeeping activities under UN auspices in Lebanon, Afghanistan, Rwanda, and the Balkans, in addition to an eight-year sub-regional initiative with its ECOWAS partners to develop and then enforce a cease-fire in Liberia. Ghana is also a member of the International Criminal Court.
The foreign relations of Guinea, including those with its West African neighbors, have improved steadily since 1985.
Lesotho's geographic location makes it extremely vulnerable to political and economic developments in South Africa. Its capital is the small city of Maseru. It is a member of many regional economic organizations including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). Lesotho also is active in the United Nations, the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union, the Non-Aligned Movement, and many other international organizations. In addition to the Republic of Korea, the United States, South Africa, Ireland, People's Republic of China, Libya, and the European Union all currently retain resident diplomatic missions in Lesotho. Foreign relations of Lesotho are administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations.
Liberian foreign relations were traditionally stable and cordial throughout much of the 19th and 20th centuries, with a significant relationship with the United States, sharing close relations until the 1970s.
Since independence, with Jaja Wachuku as the first Minister for Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Relations, later called External Affairs, Nigerian foreign policy has been characterised by a focus on Africa as a regional power and by attachment to several fundamental principles: African unity and independence; capability to exercise hegemonic influence in the region: peaceful settlement of disputes; non-alignment and non-intentional interference in the internal affairs of other nations; and regional economic cooperation and development. In carrying out these principles, Nigeria participates in the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Non-Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the United Nations.
Rwanda has diplomatic relations with most members of the United Nations and with the Holy See.
Eswatini is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, the African Union, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Southern African Development Community. Currently, the Kingdom of Eswatini maintains 11 embassies and High Commissions along with 15 consulates and other representations around the world, while there are five embassies and High Commissions in Eswatini as well as 14 consulates and other representations.
Tanzania's first president, Julius Nyerere also was one of the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement, and, during the Cold War era, Tanzania played an important role in regional and international organisations, such as the Non-Aligned Movement, the front-line states, the G-77, and the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). One of Africa's best-known elder statesmen, Nyerere was personally active in many of these organisations, and served chairman of the OAU (1984–85) and chairman of six front-line states concerned with eliminating apartheid in Southern Africa. Nyerere was also involved with peace negotiations in Burundi until his death. Nyerere's death, on 14 October 1999, is still commemorated annually.
After independence in 1964 the foreign relations of Zambia were mostly focused on supporting liberation movements in other countries in Southern Africa, such as the African National Congress and SWAPO. During the Cold War Zambia was a member of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Uganda has formal diplomatic relations with many countries, some accredited. Since the colonial era and after independence Uganda has grown to be one of the most important African countries. Uganda has diplomatic relations with many countries throughout Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Uganda is a member of the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations since 1962.
After seizing power in the 1972 coup d'état, Major Mathieu Kérékou declared the People's Republic of Benin a Marxist-Leninist state and sought financial support from communist governments in Eastern Europe and Asia. To distance the modern state from its colonial past, the country became the People's Republic of Benin in 1975. However, Benin dropped the socialist ideology in 1989 following pressure from creditors and domestic unrest related to economic hardship.
The Republic of Guinea-Bissau follows a nonaligned foreign policy and seeks friendly and cooperative relations with a wide variety of states and organizations. France, Portugal, Angola, Brazil, Egypt, Nigeria, Libya, Cuba, the Palestine Liberation Organization, Ghana, and Russia have diplomatic offices in Bissau.
Sierra Leone maintains formal relations with many Western nations. It also maintains diplomatic relations with the former Soviet Bloc countries as well as with the People's Republic of China.
Throughout the Cold War, Ivory Coast's foreign policy was generally favorable toward the West. In particular, Félix Houphouët-Boigny kept relations with France that was among the closest between any African country and a former colonial power. The country became a member of the United Nations at independence in 1960 and participates in most of its specialized agencies. It is also an associate member of the European Union. In general, President Bédié initiated and maintained relations with many countries of the European Union and Asia. Ivory Coast maintains a wide variety of diplomatic contacts.
George Padmore, has presented his credentials to the Governor General of Kenya...
Embassy of Italy Ambassador H.E. Marquis Giovanni Revedin di San Martino ( 7-7-64 )
Guinea Kenya . M. Filly Cissoko , the new Guinean Ambassador to Kenya , has presented his credentials to President Kenyatta . ( MAC 14/6 )
17. - Relations Diplomatiques - Kenya - Somalies.- Etablissement de relations entre les deux pays suite à la suite de la médiation de l'O.U.A.
30. Burundi H.E. Mr. Protais Mangona (In Dar es-Salaam)
... Lesotho has established diplomatic relations with Kenya ; its High Commissioner and roving ambassador ,Charles Molapo , has arrived in Nairobi ( CTK in English 15.30 GMT 20.6.68 )
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