Foreign relations of Kenya
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Template:Politics 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:
Bilateral relations
Africa
| 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.<ref name="BBC">Template:Cite news</ref> 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<ref name="businessdailyafrica">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.</ref> 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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| Template:Flag | 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.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Main
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.<ref name="minicom">Rwanda and Kenya to strengthen cooperation Template:Webarchive. Retrieved 20 January 2015.</ref> 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.<ref name="AlJazeera">http://studies.aljazeera.net/ResourceGallery/media/Documents/2012/3/29/201232915413854734South%20Sudan%20and%20Kenya.pdf Template:Webarchive . South Sudan and Kenya: The Relationships Retrieved on 5 January 2015.</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 13 December 1983 | Both countries established full diplomatic relations on 13 December 1983<ref name="ReferenceR"/>Template:Main
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.<ref>Fred Oluoch Lest we forget: What killed the first EAC marriage Template:Webarchive The EastAfrican 2 November 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2015.</ref> Tanzania and Kenya resumed diplomatic ties in 1983.<ref name=kenyahighcomtz>Kenya Tanzania Relations. Retrieved 20 January 2015. Template:Webarchive</ref> 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.Template: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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| Template:Flag | 8 February 1978 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 February 1978<ref name="ReferenceN"/>Template:Main
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.<ref>East Africa Living Encyclopedia: Kenya - Foreign Relations</ref> 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
| Country | Formal relations established | Notes |
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| Template:Flag | 23 June 1964 | Template:Main |
| Template:Flag | 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.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 30 October 1967 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 October 1967.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 13 March 1984 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 March 1984.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 26 June 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 June 1964 and opened Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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.<ref>"Ethiopia – Kenya relations" Template:Webarchive, Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (accessed 9 October 2009)</ref> 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.<ref>"Ethiopia – Kenya Boundary" Template:Webarchive, U.S. State Department International Boundary Study, No. 152 – 15 October 1975</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 16 December 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 December 1963<ref name="books.google.com">Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 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.<ref name=":7"/>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 22 March 1990 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 March 1990 when was officially opened the Kenya High Commission in Windhoek.<ref name="ReferenceS"/>Template:Main
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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.<ref name="Howard">Rhoda E. Howard, Human Rights in Commonwealth Africa, (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.: 1986), p. 95</ref> Although the conflict ended in a cease-fire, Somalis in the region still identify and maintain close ties with their kin in Somalia.<ref name="Godfrey">Godfrey Mwakikagile, Kenya: identity of a nation, (Godfrey Mwakikagile: 2007), p. 79.</ref> 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.<ref name="Tssgskfm">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Jointc">Joint Communique – Operation Linda Nchi</ref> The mission was officially led by the Somali army, with the Kenyan forces providing a support role.<ref name="Jointc"/> In early June 2012, Kenyan troops were formally integrated into AMISOM.<ref name="Gkdmaaaism">Template:Cite news</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 12 April 1994 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 April 1994<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 28 January 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 January 1965 when was accredited first ambassador of Sudan to Kenya Sayed Mohammed Mirghani<ref name="ReferenceH"/>Template:Main
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Americas
| Country | Formal relations established | Notes |
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| Template:Flag | 3 September 2014 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 September 2014<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 4 July 1967 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 July 1967<ref name="ReferenceA"/>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 5 May 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 May 1964<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | September 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in September 1975<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 27 January 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 January 1975<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 19 October 1995 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 October 1995<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 19 March 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 March 1976<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:MainPresident 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.<ref name="nation">Template:Cite web</ref> Both leaders (Holness and Kenyatta) also launched the celebrations to mark the International Decade for People of African Descent.<ref name="capitalfm">Template:Cite web</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 15 March 1977 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 March 1977<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 12 December 1963 | Template:Main
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<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 30 April 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 April 1970<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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Asia
| Country | Formal relations established | Notes |
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| Template:Flag | 28 May 2004 | Main Article: Azerbaijan-Kenya relations
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| Template:Flag | 14 December 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 December 1963<ref name="Kenya"/>Template:Main
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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> 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.<ref name="MFPRC">Template:Cite web</ref> Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki visited Beijing in August 2005.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 14 December 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 December 1963<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:INA | 15 October 1979 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in Template:Dts<ref name="indonesia"/>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 3 October 1971 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 October 1971.<ref name="Iranian Government"/>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 12 December 1963<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> | 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1965<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 4 March 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 March 1976<ref name="ReferenceM"/>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 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.<ref name="ReferenceB"/>Template:Main
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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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Both countries maintain diplomatic relations as the State of Palestine maintains an embassy in Nairobi.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Template:Flag | 20 May 1975 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 May 1975<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The Philippines and Kenya have forged a historic agreement to strengthen ties between both countries. Under a Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation(JCBC)<ref>In the full history find out wiki page on Foreign relations of the Philippines</ref> |
| Template:Flag | 28 December 2003 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 December 2003.<ref name="العلاقات الثنائية"/>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 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.<ref name="ReferenceJ"/>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 7 February 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 February 1964<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main |
| Template:Flag | 30 March 1968 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 March 1968<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 5 June 1982 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 June 1982<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main |
Europe
| Country | Formal relations established | Notes |
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| Template:Flag | 23 October 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 October 1964 when was accredited first Denmark's ambassador to Kenya Birger Abrahamson<ref name="Kenya Ministry of External Affairs"/>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 14 June 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 June 1965<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 12 December 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 December 1963<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 18 December 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 December 1963<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 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.<ref name="Kenya. Protocol Office"/>Template:Main
Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Kenya Template:Webarchive
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| Template:Flag | 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.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 22 February 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 February 1964<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 13 December 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 December 1963<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:POR | 10 January 1977 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1977<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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| Template:Flag | 14 December 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 December 1963<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 27 April 1967 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 April 1967<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | January 1964<ref name=":10" /> | Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1964<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 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<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Main
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| Template:Flag | 1963 | Template:Main
Kenya established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom in 1963.<ref name="britain">Template:Cite thesis</ref>
The UK governed Kenya from 1895 to 1963, when it achieved full independence. Both countries share common membership of the Commonwealth, the World Health Organization, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have an Economic Partnership Agreement,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> a Defence Cooperation Agreement,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> a Development Partnership,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> a Double Taxation Agreement,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|author=HM Revenue and Customs|date=27 December 2013|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kenya-tax-treaties%7Ctitle=Kenya: tax treaties|website=GOV.UK|access-date=16 October 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250731205411/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kenya-tax-treaties%7Carchive-date=31 July 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> and an Investment Agreement.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="Greenway">Roger S. Greenway, Timothy M. Monsma, Cities: missions' new frontier, (Baker Book House: 1989), p. 163.</ref> 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 |
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| Template:Flag | 23 August 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 August 1965<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>Template:Main
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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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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. Template:Clear
William Ruto

William Ruto made his first international trip in September 2022 since he began his presidency on 13 September 2022.Template:Clear
See also
References
External links
Template:Foreign relations of Kenya Template:Kenya topics Template:Africa in topic Template:Authority control
