Kosovo secures Kenya’s recognition after years of diplomatic efforts

Kenya has officially recognized Kosovo as an independent state, marking a significant development in diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The decision was announced on Wednesday evening following a meeting in Nairobi between Kosovo’s Special Envoy Behgjet Pacolli and Kenya’s President.

Albanian President Bajram Begaj publicly acknowledged Kenya’s move on Wednesday evening, expressing gratitude for the recognition.

“Pleased that Kenya has recognised the state of Kosova today. I extend my gratitude to my friend (President) William Ruto for this decision, warmly welcomed by all Albanians,” Begaj wrote on X.

Pacolli, a former Kosovo president, described the recognition as a major achievement for his country.

Posting on Facebook, he shared images of the official recognition letter being signed, calling it a historic moment for Kosovo’s sovereignty.

“Seventeen 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 stated.

He emphasized that this move was more than just a diplomatic formality but rather a crucial step in Kosovo’s global positioning.

“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!” he added.

Pacolli, who has long advocated for Kenya’s recognition of Kosovo since 2009, recalled President Ruto’s visit to Kosovo in 2019, where he witnessed the country’s determination for global acknowledgment.

He also noted that in 2023, Kenya had taken preliminary steps toward strengthening relations by recognizing Kosovo’s passports.

Following this diplomatic breakthrough, Pacolli urged the Kosovo government to move forward in establishing full diplomatic relations with Kenya.

He proposed that Kosovo and Albania jointly open an embassy in Nairobi to further deepen ties with Africa.

“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 stated.

He also expressed appreciation for Albania’s diplomatic efforts in lobbying for Kosovo’s international recognition, crediting Albanian President Bajram Begaj and Prime Minister Edi Rama for their 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,” he declared.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 after a prolonged political struggle.

While Kosovo claims that 117 countries have recognized its sovereignty, only a few African nations have formally done so.

Previously part of Yugoslavia, Kosovo was historically linked to Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Slovenia.

After Yugoslavia disintegrated in the early 1990s, Kosovo remained under Serbian control until its unilateral declaration of independence in 2008.

However, Kosovo’s quest for full international recognition remains a challenge.

The country is yet to become a United Nations member due to opposition from Serbia and influential global powers such as Russia and China, both of whom wield veto power at the UN Security Council.