Kenya Quietly Recognizes Kosovo As Independent State, Going Against Serbia
The announcement was made by former Kosovo President Behgjet Pacolli, who shared photos on his Facebook page of Kenyan President William Ruto signing the recognition letter during a closed-door meeting at State House in Nairobi.
Marvin Chege 
Kenya has officially recognized Kosovo as an independent state, becoming the first country to do so after nearly five years of stalled efforts for international acknowledgment.
Kosovo, a breakaway Balkan state, declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but has been unable to secure United Nations membership due to opposition from Serbia and its allies, including Russia and China, both of whom hold U.N. veto power. So far, more than 110 countries, including the United States and most European nations, have recognized Kosovo’s sovereignty.
The announcement was made by former Kosovo President Behgjet Pacolli, who shared photos on his Facebook page of Kenyan President William Ruto signing the recognition letter during a closed-door meeting at State House in Nairobi.
"Today, Kosovo writes history! 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!" he exclaimed.
President William Ruto when he signed a letter recognizing Kosovo as an independent state at State House, Nairobi. /BEHGJET PACOLLI.FACEBOOK
"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!"
Pacolli went on to outline that the victory followed years of long, hard work, dedication and sacrifice, adding that he had been lobbying for Kenya's recognition of Kosovo since 2009.
"I have gone door to door, office to office, with only one goal - to make the voice and right of the people of Kosovo known for freedom, independence and sovereignty. President William Ruto stood by his word in 2016. He visited Kosovo in 2019 and felt the power and determination of our people," he continued.
The former President went on to add that during his visit to Nairobi in 2023, Ruto took the first step by recognizing Kosovo's passports before the March 26 recognition.
Pacolli thus urged the Government of Kosovo to immediately establish diplomatic relations with Kenya and 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," he continued.
Adding "I want to express my thanks to my close colleague, Jetlir Zyberaj, who has been permanently my eye and ear not only in this important process for Kosovo. 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."
The most recent country to recognize Kosovo as an independent state was Israel in September 2020. Kosovo’s President, Vjosa Osmani, officially welcomed Kenya’s decision, calling it a reflection of Kenya’s ongoing support for Kosovo’s right to freedom, independence, and sovereignty.
This decision dismisses Serbia’s diplomatic efforts, which had strongly lobbied African nations to oppose recognition of Kosovo, a territory Serbia still claims as its own.
In October 2023, President Ruto met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić during a conference in Beijing, China. Vučić stated that he had received assurances from Nairobi that it would not join the movement to recognize Kosovo. Russia and China also do not recognize Kosovo, and Moscow had previously blocked Kosovo’s bid to join the United Nations.
Kosovo, with a population of 1.9 million, is predominantly home to ethnic Albanians, along with a Serbian minority.
Once part of Yugoslavia, Kosovo has faced a lengthy path to independence. It was originally in the same nation as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia.
Following Yugoslavia’s dissolution in 1991, it remained part of Serbia and Montenegro until their separation in 2008. Serbia also declared independence in 2008, despite seeking to break away since 1999.
The reason behind Kenya’s decision remains unclear, especially given its previous refusal and its growing technical cooperation with Serbia.
