Kenya–Portugal relations

Kenya–Portugal relations are bilateral relations between Kenya and Portugal. Both nations have had relations dating back 500 years since the Age of Discovery.^[1]

Kenya – Portugal relations

Kenya	Portugal

History

Fort Jesus in Mombasa

In 1497, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who under the orders of the King of Portugal began sailing to look for a route to India. In 1498, da Gama landed in Mombasa and Malindi both now in present-day Kenya.^[2] The Vasco da Gama pillar was constructed in 1498.^[3]

Fort Jesus was built in Mombasa by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1596. Between the years of 1631-1895 it changed hands nine times and was fought over by the Portuguese Empire, Imamate of Oman and the British Empire.^[4]

Kenya and Portugal established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1977.^[5] In 1982, Portugal opened an embassy in Nairobi, however, the embassy was closed and accreditation transferred to the Portuguese embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.^[5] In 2019, Portugal re-opened its embassy in Nairobi.^[1]

Trade

In 2020 Portugal exported goods worth US$16.5 million to Kenya, in which papermaking machines, uncoated paper, and synthetic filaments stand out. And Kenya exported goods worth $5.31 million to Portugal, the majority being agricultural goods such as fruits, dried fruits, vegetable oils, but also fish.^[6]

Diplomatic missions

• Kenya is accredited to Portugal from its embassy in Paris, France.^[7]
• Portugal has an embassy in Nairobi.^[8]

See also

• Foreign relations of Kenya
• Foreign relations of Portugal