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.

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:

#	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	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	Indonesia	15 October 1979[88]
87	Niger	12 May 1981[89]
88	Benin	12 March 1982[90]
89	Luxembourg	15 May 1982[91]
90	United Arab Emirates	5 June 1982[92]
91	New Zealand	9 June 1982[93]
92	Uruguay	20 July 1982[94]
93	Costa Rica	13 November 1982[95]
94	Albania	2 February 1983[96]
95	Zimbabwe	5 March 1983[97]
96	Tanzania	13 December 1983[98]
97	Djibouti	13 March 1984[99]
98	Togo	9 April 1985[100]
99	Angola	22 July 1985[101]
100	Seychelles	10 January 1990[102]
101	Namibia	21 March 1990[103]
102	Singapore	30 September 1991[104]
103	Slovakia	15 January 1993[105]
104	Ukraine	5 May 1993[106]
105	Armenia	13 July 1993[107]
106	Eritrea	14 September 1993[108]
107	Kazakhstan	15 November 1993[109]
108	Belarus	17 November 1993[110]
109	South Africa	12 April 1994[111][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]
—	State of Palestine	26 January 2008[129]
130	Mauritius	16 April 2008[121]
131	Brunei	11 August 2008[130]
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[131]
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[132]
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[133]
148	El Salvador	28 September 2015[134]
149	Saint Kitts and Nevis	22 September 2016[115]
150	Ecuador	9 December 2017[135]
151	Nicaragua	30 July 2019[115]
152	Tajikistan	6 August 2019[115]
153	Suriname	24 September 2019[115]
154	Panama	26 September 2019[115]
155	Saint Lucia	10 December 2019[115]
156	Guinea-Bissau	7 January 2020[136]
157	Dominica	1 July 2020[137]
158	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	12 August 2020[138]
159	San Marino	12 May 2021[139]
160	Honduras	23 September 2021[140]
161	Andorra	16 February 2022[141]
162	Moldova	1 March 2022[115]
163	Liechtenstein	29 April 2022[142]
164	Belize	22 June 2022[143]
165	Antigua and Barbuda	23 June 2022[144]
166	Turkmenistan	14 March 2023[115]
167	Comoros	1 September 2023[145]
168	Haiti	20 September 2023[146]
169	Grenada	20 September 2023[147]
170	Bahamas	19 January 2024[148]
171	Cape Verde	Unknown
172	Central African Republic	Unknown
173	Equatorial Guinea	Unknown
174	Madagascar	Unknown
175	São Tomé and Príncipe	Unknown

Bilateral relations

Africa

East African Community

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.[149] 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[150] 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.
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.[151] 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.[152] 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.[153] Kenya has an embassy in Juba. South Sudan has an embassy in Nairobi.
Tanzania	13 December 1983	Both countries established full diplomatic relations on 13 December 1983[98] 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.[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. Kenya has a high commission in Dar-es-Salaam. Tanzania has a high commission in Nairobi and a consulate-general in Mombasa.
Uganda	8 February 1978	Both 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.[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. Kenya has a high commission in Kampala. Uganda has a high commission in Nairobi.

Rest of Africa

Country	Formal relations established	Notes
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.[28] Main article: Algeria–Kenya relations Algeria has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya has an embassy in Algiers.
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.[157] Main article: Angola–Kenya relations Angola has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya has an embassy in Luanda.
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.[90]
Botswana	30 October 1967	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 October 1967.[158] Main article: Botswana–Kenya relations Botswana has a high commission in Nairobi. Kenya has a high commission in Gaborone.
Cameroon	5 September 1972	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 September 1972[69]
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.[30]
Djibouti	13 March 1984	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 March 1984.[159] 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.
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[160]
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.[64]
Ethiopia	26 June 1964	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 June 1964 and opened Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi.[161][162] 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.[163] 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.[164] Ethiopia has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya has an embassy in Addis Ababa.
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.[79]
Ghana	16 December 1963	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 December 1963[9] Main article: Ghana–Kenya relations Ghana has a high commission in Nairobi. Kenya has a high commission in Accra.
Libya	7 November 1978	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 November 1978[85]
Madagascar		Kenya is accredited to Madagascar from its high commission in Maputo, Mozambique. Madagascar is accredited to Kenya from its embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Malawi	28 September 1965	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 September 1965[165]
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.[80] Main article: Kenya–Mozambique relations Kenya has a high commission in Maputo. Mozambique has a high commission in Nairobi.
Namibia	22 March 1990	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 March 1990 when was officially opened the Kenya High Commission in Windhoek.[103] 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.
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.[89]
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.[166] Although the conflict ended in a cease-fire, Somalis in the region still identify and maintain close ties with their kin in Somalia.[167] 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.[168][169] The mission was officially led by the Somali army, with the Kenyan forces providing a support role.[169] In early June 2012, Kenyan troops were formally integrated into AMISOM.[170] Kenya is accredited to Somalia from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs based in Nairobi. Somalia has an embassy in Nairobi.
South Africa	12 April 1994	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 April 1994[171] Main article: Kenya–South Africa relations Kenya has a high commission in Pretoria. South Africa has a high commission in Nairobi.
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[34] Main article: Kenya–Sudan relations Kenya has an embassy in Khartoum. Sudan has an embassy in Nairobi.
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.[172]
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.

Americas

Country	Formal relations established	Notes
Barbados	3 September 2014	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 September 2014[173] Main article: Barbados–Kenya relations During Prime Minister's Mottley's visit in late 2019 she opened the CARICOM office in Nairobi, Kenya which will be a joint diplomatic mission for Caribbean countries.[174]
Brazil	4 July 1967	Both 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.
Canada	5 May 1964	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 May 1964[175] Main article: Canada–Kenya relations Canada has a high commission in Nairobi.[176] Kenya has a high commission in Ottawa.[177]
Chile	September 1975	Both countries established diplomatic relations in September 1975[178] Main article: Chile–Kenya relations Chile has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya is accredited to Chile from its embassy in Brasília, Brazil.
Colombia	27 January 1975	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 January 1975[179] Main article: Colombia–Kenya relations Colombia has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya is accredited to Colombia from its embassy in Brasília, Brazil.
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.[95] Costa Rica has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya does not have an accreditation to Costa Rica.
Cuba	19 October 1995	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 October 1995[180] Main article: Cuba–Kenya relations Cuba has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya has an embassy in Havana.
Jamaica	19 March 1976	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 March 1976[181] 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.[182] Both leaders (Holness and Kenyatta) also launched the celebrations to mark the International Decade for People of African Descent.[183] Jamaica is accredited to Kenya from its high commission in Pretoria, South Africa. Kenya is accredited to Jamaica from its embassy in Havana, Cuba.
Mexico	15 March 1977	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 March 1977[184] Main article: Kenya–Mexico relations Kenya is represented in Mexico from its embassy in Washington, DC.[185] Mexico has an embassy in Nairobi.[186]
Peru	25 February 1976	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 February 1976[187] Peru has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya is accredited to Peru from its embassy in Brasília, Brazil.
United States	12 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[188] Kenya has an embassy in Washington, DC and consulates-general in Los Angeles and New York City.[185] United States has an embassy in Nairobi.[189]
Uruguay	20 July 1982	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 July 1982[190]
Venezuela	30 April 1970	Both 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.

Asia

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]
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[81]
China	14 December 1963	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 December 1963[7] 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.
India	14 December 1963	Both 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.
Indonesia	15 October 1979	Both countries established diplomatic relations in 15 October 1979[88] Main article: Indonesia–Kenya relations Indonesia has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya has an embassy in Jakarta.
Iran	3 October 1971	Both 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.
Israel	12 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 Israel has an embassy in Nairobi.[200] Kenya has an embassy in Tel Aviv.[201]
Japan		Main article: Japan–Kenya relations Japan has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya has an embassy in Tokyo.
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.[54]
Malaysia	1965	Both 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.
Oman	4 March 1976	Both 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.
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.[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]
Philippines	20 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.
Qatar	28 December 2003	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 December 2003.[122] Main article: Kenya–Qatar relations Kenya has an embassy in Doha. Qatar has an embassy in Nairobi.
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.[61] Main article: Kenya–Saudi Arabia relations Kenya has an embassy in Riyadh.[207] Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Nairobi.[208]
South Korea	7 February 1964	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 February 1964[209] Main article: Kenya–South Korea relations
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.[210]
Turkey	30 March 1968	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 March 1968[211] Main article: Kenya–Turkey relations Kenya has an embassy in Ankara.[212] Turkey has an embassy in Nairobi.[212] Trade volume between the two countries was US$234 million in 2019.[212] There are direct flights from Istanbul to Nairobi since 20 February 2009.[212]
United Arab Emirates	5 June 1982	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 June 1982[213] 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.

Europe

Country	Formal relations established	Notes
Austria	15 December 1964	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 December 1964 when established Austrian Embassy in Nairobi.[33] Austria has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya has an embassy in Vienna.
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.[23] Belgium has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya has an embassy in Brussels.
Denmark	23 October 1964	Both 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.
Finland	14 June 1965	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 June 1965[214] Main article: Finland–Kenya relations Finland has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya is accredited to Finland from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
France	12 December 1963	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 December 1963[215] Main article: France–Kenya relations France has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya has an embassy in Paris.
Germany	18 December 1963	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 December 1963[216] Main article: Germany–Kenya relations Germany has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya has an embassy in Berlin.
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.[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
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.[87] Ireland has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya has an embassy in Dublin.
Italy		Main article: Italy–Kenya relations Italy has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya has an embassy in Rome.
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.[217] Main article: Kenya–Netherlands relations Kenya has an embassy in The Hague. Netherlands has an embassy in Nairobi.
Norway	22 February 1964	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 February 1964[218] Main article: Kenya–Norway relations Kenya is accredited to Norway from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. Norway has an embassy in Nairobi.
Poland	13 December 1963	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 December 1963[219] Main article: Kenya–Poland relations Kenya is accredited to Poland from its embassy in Berlin, Germany. Poland has an embassy in Nairobi.
Portugal	10 January 1977	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1977[220] Kenya is accredited to Portugal from its embassy in Paris, France. Portugal has an embassy in Nairobi.
Russia	14 December 1963	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 December 1963[221] Main article: Kenya–Russia relations Russia has an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya has an embassy in Moscow.
Spain	27 April 1967	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 April 1967[222] Main article: Kenya-Spain relations Kenya has an embassy in Madrid. Spain has an embassy in Nairobi.
Sweden	January 1964[13]	Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1964[223] Main article: Kenya–Sweden relations Kenya has an embassy in Stockholm. Sweden has an embassy in Nairobi.
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[224] Main article: Kenya–Switzerland relations Kenya has an embassy in Bern. Switzerland has an embassy in Nairobi
United Kingdom	12 December 1963	Main article: Kenya–United Kingdom relations Kenya established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 12 December 1963.[citation needed] Kenya maintains a high commission in London. The United Kingdom is accredited to Kenya through its high commission in Nairobi.[225] 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,[226] a Defence Cooperation Agreement,[227] a Development Partnership,[228] and an Investment Agreement.[229] 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.[230] 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.

Oceania

Country	Formal relations established	Notes
Australia	23 August 1965	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 August 1965[231] Main article: Australia–Kenya relations Australia has a high commission in Nairobi. Kenya has a high commission in Canberra.
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[232] 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.

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.^[233] 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

• List of diplomatic missions of Kenya
• List of diplomatic missions in Kenya