Kenya Goes Recognizes Kosovo as an Independent State

Ruto Goes Against Serbia, Recognizes Kosovo as an Independent State

Kenya has officially recognized Kosovo as an independent state, becoming the first country to do so after nearly five years of stalled efforts to gain further international recognition.

President William Ruto recognized the breakaway Balkan state as an independent nation during a closed-door meeting at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, March 26.

Former Kosovo President Behgjet Pacolli, in a statement while sharing photos on his Facebook page of President Ruto signing the recognition letter, described it as a “remarkable ceremony.”

“17 years after Independence, in a remarkable and unforgettable ceremony, the Republic of Kenya – one of the most important countries in Africa – officially recognized the Republic of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state!” Pacolli said.

“This recognition is not just a declaration – it is a great victory for the state of Kosovo, it is the voice of our freedom that is heard deep in the heart of Africa! Today, our state flag flies high proudly in Nairobi, and this is proof that Kosovo moves forward, strong and with dignity when it is worked and willed to!”

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Kenya recognizes Kosovo as an independent state

The former president added that he had been lobbying for Kenya’s recognition of Kosovo since 2009.

According to him, “President William Ruto visited Kosovo in 2019 and experienced the power and determination of our people.”

Pacolli further noted that during his 2023 visit to Nairobi, the Kenyan head of state took the first step by recognizing Kosovo’s passports.

He urged the government of Kosovo to immediately establish diplomatic relations with Kenya and to open a joint embassy with the Republic of Albania in Nairobi.

“Kosovo must be present where it is respected and supported – in the heart of Africa! This embassy will be Kosovo’s gateway to enter powerfully into the African continent, to build new political, economic and cultural alliances,” Pacolli added.

“I would like to express a special thank you to Albania, President Begaj and Prime Minister Edi Rama, who have given me state support. This is the day Kosovo was seen, heard and accepted. This is the day when our people should feel the pride of a priceless victory – the international recognition of our State.”

Kosovo’s history

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, with Israel being the last country to recognize it as a state in September 2020.

The state, which has a population of 1.9 million—mostly ethnic Albanians and Serbs—claims that 117 countries worldwide recognize its independence, though only 10 of them are in Africa.

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A former part of Yugoslavia, Kosovo’s journey to independence has been long.

It was originally part of the same country as Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Slovenia.

After Yugoslavia broke up in 1991, Kosovo remained under Serbia and Montenegro until their separation in 2008.

Kosovo is not a United Nations member due to opposition from Serbia and its allies, including U.N. veto-holders Russia and China.

Notably, Russia previously blocked Kosovo’s membership at the U.N. Security Council.

Ruto meets with Serbian president

A former part of Yugoslavia, Kosovo’s journey to independence has been long. It was originally part of the same country as Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Slovenia.

After Yugoslavia broke up in 1991, Kosovo remained under Serbia and Montenegro until their separation in 2008.

Kosovo is not a UN member due to opposition from Serbia and its allies, including U.N. veto-holders Russia and China.

Notably, Russia previously blocked Kosovo’s membership at the U.N. Security Council.

The motivation behind Kenya’s decision to recognize Kosovo’s independence was not immediately clear, particularly given its past refusal and its growing tech cooperation with Serbia.

President Ruto had met with his Serbian counterpart, Aleksandar Vučić, in October 2023 on the sidelines of a conference in Beijing, China.

At the time, Vučić indicated that he had received assurances that Nairobi would not join the recognition bandwagon for Kosovo.

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