Foreign relations of Kenya
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.
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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).
Africa
East African Community
Country | Formal relations established | Notes |
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![]() | 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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![]() | 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.[1] 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[2] 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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![]() | 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.[3] Kenya has a significant expat community in Rwanda.
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![]() | 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.[4]
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![]() | 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.[5] Tanzania and Kenya resumed diplomatic ties in 1983.[6] 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. 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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![]() | 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.[7] 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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Rest of Africa
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5 September 1972 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 September 1972[8] |
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![]() | 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.[9] 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.[10]
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![]() | 16 December 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 December 1963[11]
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7 November 1978 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 November 1978[12] |
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![]() | 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.[13] Although the conflict ended in a cease-fire, Somalis in the region still identify and maintain close ties with their kin in Somalia.[14] 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.[15][16] The mission was officially led by the Somali army, with the Kenyan forces providing a support role.[16] In early June 2012, Kenyan troops were formally integrated into AMISOM.[17]
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Americas
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![]() | 1976 | Jamaica and Kenya established relations in 1976.[22] 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.[23] Both leaders (Holness and Kenyatta) also launched the celebrations to mark the International Decade for People of African Descent.[24]
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![]() | 15 March 1977 | |
![]() | 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.
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20 July 1982 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 July 1982[28] |
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Asia
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![]() | 13 July 1993 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 July 1993[29] |
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28 May 2004 | Main Article: Azerbaijan-Kenya relations |
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25 September 2010 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 September 2010[32] |
![]() | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 July 1993. | |
![]() | 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.[33] 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.[34] Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki visited Beijing in August 2005.[35]
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![]() | 4 March 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 March 1976[38]
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![]() | 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.[39]
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![]() | 20 May 1975 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 May 1975[40] The Philippines and Kenya have forged a historic agreement to strengthen ties between both countries. Under a Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation(JCBC)[41]
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![]() | 7 February 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 February 1964[44] |
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![]() | 5 June 1982 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 June 1982[46] |
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21 December 1995 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 December 1995[47] |
Europe
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Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Kenya Archived 23 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine
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![]() | 13 December 1963 |
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![]() | 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.[48] 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, the present Queen, 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. Kenya was granted independence in 1963, and relations with Britain have remained constant. Kenya is a part of the Commonwealth of Nations, a successor to the empire which aims to promote mutual co-operation, democracy and other cultural values and ties with each member state. |
Oceania
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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.[51] The office was established in 1996.
International trips made by presidents of Kenya
Uhuru Kenyatta

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

William Ruto made his first international trip in September of 2022 since he began his presidency on 13 September 2022.
References
- https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-25357821 . DR Congo government 'signs deal with M23 in Kenya Retrieved on 7 January 2015.
- http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Kenya--DR-Congo-to-open-consulates-to-boost-trade/-/539546/1745512/-/6e4w00z/-/index.html . Kenya, DR Congo to open consulates to boost trade Retrieved on 7 January 2015.
- Rwanda and Kenya to strengthen cooperation. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
- http://studies.aljazeera.net/ResourceGallery/media/Documents/2012/3/29/201232915413854734South%20Sudan%20and%20Kenya.pdf Archived 6 January 2015 at the Wayback Machine . South Sudan and Kenya: The Relationships Retrieved on 5 January 2015.
- Fred Oluoch Lest we forget: What killed the first EAC marriage Archived 15 February 2020 at the Wayback Machine The EastAfrican 2 November 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
- Kenya Tanzania Relations. Retrieved 20 January 2015. Archived 7 January 2015 at the Wayback Machine
- East Africa Living Encyclopedia: Kenya - Foreign Relations
- Summary of World Broadcasts: Non-Arab Africa - Issues 4029-4106. British Broadcasting Corporation. Monitoring Service · 1972.
- "Ethiopia – Kenya relations" Archived 25 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine, Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (accessed 9 October 2009)
- "Ethiopia – Kenya Boundary" Archived 18 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine, U.S. State Department International Boundary Study, No. 152 – 15 October 1975
- Daily Report, Foreign Radio Broadcasts Issues 244-245. United States. Central Intelligence Agency. 1963. p. 9. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
- Africa Research Bulletin. Blackwell. 1978. p. 5052.
- Rhoda E. Howard, Human Rights in Commonwealth Africa, (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.: 1986), p. 95
- Godfrey Mwakikagile, Kenya: identity of a nation, (Godfrey Mwakikagile: 2007), p. 79.
- "Somalia government supports Kenyan forces' mission". Standardmedia.co.ke. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012.
- Joint Communique – Operation Linda Nchi
- "Kenya: Defense Minister appointed as acting Internal Security Minister". Garowe Online. 19 June 2012. Archived from the original on 30 November 2012. Retrieved 20 June 2012.
- "Barbados PM opens CARICOM office in Kenya". wicnews.com. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
- High Commission of Canada in Nairobi (in English and French)
- High Commission of Kenya in Ottawa
- "Countries with which Guyana has Establishment Diplomatic Relations – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation| Co-operative Republic of Guyana". Minfor.gov.gy. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
- https://jis.gov.jm/speeches/press-statement-by-the-prime-minister-of-jamaica-the-most-honourable-andrew-holness-on-mp-on-the-occasion-of-the-state-visit-5th-7th-august-2019-of-the-president-of-the-republic-of-kenya-hi/ . Press Statement by The Prime Minister of Jamaica The Most Honourable Andrew Holness. Retrieved on 15 August 2019.
- https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Uhuru-in-Jamaica-for-state-visit/1056-5224834-112sqip/index.html . President of Kenya to Celebrate Jamaica’s 57th Independence. Retrieved on 15 August 2019.
- https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2019/08/kenyatta-jamaican-pm-mark-international-decade-for-people-of-african-descent/ . Kenyatta, Jamaican PM mark International Decade for People of African Descent. Retrieved on 15 August 2019.
- "Embassy of Kenya in Washington, DC". Archived from the original on 12 December 2019. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- Embassy of Mexico in Nairobi (in Spanish)
- US embassy in Nairobi Archived 27 April 2006 at the Wayback Machine
- Summary of World Broadcasts: Non-Arab Africa. British Broadcasting Corporation. Monitoring Service. 1982. p. 4.
- "Bilateral Relations". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
- "The Republic of Kenya". Republic of Azerbaijan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
- Azvision.az. "Kenya keen on cooperation with Azerbaijan".
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - "Diplomatic Relations Between Bahrain and Kenya as of 25 Sept. 2010". United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
- "Kenya, China Mark 40-year Diplomatic Ties". Xinhua News Agency. 11 December 2003. Retrieved 6 November 2007.
- "Kenya: Bilateral Relations". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. 12 October 2003. Retrieved 6 November 2007.
- "China to promote cooperation with Kenya: Chinese premier". People's Daily. 19 August 2005. Retrieved 7 November 2007.
- Israeli embassy in Nairobi
- Kenyan embassy in Tel Aviv
- Información comercial española boletin semanal. 1976. p. 3.
- "Pakistan Times | Business: Pakistan, Kenya to boost Trade, Economic ties". Archived from the original on 14 June 2011. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
- Summary of World Broadcasts Non-Arab Africa · Issues 4866-4942. British Broadcasting Corporation. Monitoring Service. 1975. p. 7.
- In the full history find out wiki page on Foreign relations of the Philippines
- Embassy of Kenya in Riyadh
- Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nairobi (in Arabic and English)
- "Overview". Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Korea. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
- "Relations between Turkey and Kenya".
- "British Embassy Abu Dhabi 9 June 1982". Arabian Gulf Digital Archives. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
- "Diplomatic Relations Between Viet Nam and Kenya as of 21 Dec. 1995". United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
- Roger S. Greenway, Timothy M. Monsma, Cities: missions' new frontier, (Baker Book House: 1989), p. 163.
- High Commission of Kenya in London
- High Commission of the United Kingdom in Nairobi
- "Welcome to the United Nations Office at Nairobi | The United Nations Office at Nairobi". unon.org. Archived from the original on 25 February 2011. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
External links
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Permanent Mission of Kenya to the United Nations
- United States Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya
This article incorporates public domain material from U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets. United States Department of State.