- President William Ruto formally recognized Kosovo’s independence during a closed-door meeting at State House, Nairobi.
- Former Kosovo President Behgjet Pacolli praised the decision, calling it a historic milestone.
- Kosovo’s diplomatic push for Kenya’s recognition began in 2009, with Ruto previously visiting Kosovo in 2019.
- Pacolli urged Kosovo to establish formal diplomatic ties with Kenya and set up an embassy in Nairobi.
- Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008, remains unrecognized by some global powers, including Russia and China.
In a historic diplomatic move, Kenya has officially recognized Kosovo as a sovereign state, marking a significant step in the Balkan nation’s international acceptance. President William Ruto made the declaration during a private meeting at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, March 26.
The announcement was welcomed by former Kosovo President Behgjet Pacolli, who shared photos of President Ruto signing the recognition letter, describing it as a momentous occasion.
“Seventeen years after gaining independence, the Republic of Kenya—one of Africa’s most influential nations—has formally recognized Kosovo as a free and sovereign state!” Pacolli stated.
He further emphasized that the recognition was not just symbolic but a powerful statement of Kosovo’s growing legitimacy.
“This is a major diplomatic victory for Kosovo! Our flag now flies high in Nairobi, proving that with determination and hard work, our nation moves forward with strength and dignity.”
Kenya’s Path to Recognizing Kosovo
Pacolli revealed that Kosovo had been seeking Kenya’s recognition since 2009. President Ruto himself visited Kosovo in 2019, where he witnessed firsthand the resilience and ambition of the Kosovo people.
Kosovo’s diplomatic ties with Kenya progressed further in 2023 when Ruto’s administration acknowledged Kosovo’s passports, signaling a shift toward full recognition.
Now, with Kenya’s official recognition, Pacolli has urged Kosovo’s leadership to establish strong diplomatic relations with Nairobi. He also proposed opening a joint embassy with Albania in Kenya, calling it Kosovo’s gateway into Africa.
“Kosovo must be present where it is valued. Nairobi should host our embassy as we build strong political, economic, and cultural ties across Africa,” he stated.
He also thanked Albania’s leadership, particularly President Bajram Begaj and Prime Minister Edi Rama, for supporting Kosovo’s global diplomatic efforts.
Kosovo’s Ongoing Struggle for Recognition
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, yet its path to global recognition remains challenging. The last nation to officially recognize it was Israel in 2020.
Despite gaining support from many countries, Kosovo remains outside the United Nations, facing opposition from Serbia and its allies, including Russia and China, both of whom hold veto power.
With Kenya now recognizing Kosovo, the move marks a step forward in Kosovo’s global recognition efforts, further strengthening its presence on the international stage.
