Kenya has officially recognised the Republic of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state, marking a significant milestone 17 years after Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008.
The announcement, made on March 26, 2025, was celebrated by both nations as a step toward deeper bilateral cooperation and a testament to Kosovo’s long struggle for international legitimacy.
The recognition was formalised through a proclamation signed by Kenyan President William Ruto, who expressed Kenya’s commitment to fostering strong ties with Kosovo.
The document, shared widely on social media, cites the 2010 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that Kosovo’s declaration of independence did not violate international law, affirming that no prohibition exists on such declarations.
“The Republic of Kenya hereby wishes to proclaim its recognition of Kosovo and further confirms that this recognition will extend to the establishment of diplomatic cooperation in such other domains as may be agreed upon by our two nations,” the proclamation reads.
It was issued under the hand and seal of President Ruto on March 26, 2025, in Nairobi.
Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani, who has led the country since 2021, expressed profound gratitude to Kenya for the decision.
In a post on X at on March 26, Osmani wrote, “Asante sana, Kenya! The Republic of Kosovo extends its deepest gratitude to President Williams Ruto and the Republic of Kenya for the historic decision on the recognition of our country’s independence.”
She highlighted the ICJ’s ruling and urged other nations, particularly in Africa, to follow Kenya’s lead, stating that recognising Kosovo contributes to peace and stability in the region and across Europe. Osmani also acknowledged the efforts of former Kosovo President and Foreign Minister Behgjet Pacolli in securing this recognition.
The announcement follows years of diplomatic engagement between the two nations, including a notable meeting between Ruto and Osmani on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2023.
At the time, Ruto’s public reference to Kosovo as a “country” had sparked discussions about Kenya’s shifting stance, given its historically warm relations with Serbia, which date back to Kenya’s independence in 1963.
Serbia, along with allies like Russia, continues to oppose Kosovo’s statehood, viewing it as a breakaway province. This tension stems from the Kosovo War (1998–1999), where ethnic Albanians, supported by NATO, fought against Serbian forces under Slobodan Milošević, leading to Kosovo’s eventual declaration of independence.
Kosovo has now been recognised by 114 UN member states, including major powers like the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.
However, the exact number of recognitions remains contested, with Serbia claiming in 2020 that 18 countries had withdrawn their recognition—a claim Kosovo’s foreign ministry has dismissed as “Serbian propaganda.”
This recognition not only bolsters Kosovo’s international standing but also signals Kenya’s growing role in global diplomacy, navigating complex historical ties while embracing new partnerships on the world stage.
