Kenya has officially recognised Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state, marking the first diplomatic recognition for Kosovo in four years. The decision, confirmed by Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani and former President Behgjet Pacolli, represents a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts for global recognition.  

Former Kosovo President Behgjet Pacolli was the first to announce the news through a post on Facebook. Pacolli maintains a close relationship with several African leaders.

Shortly after, Kosovo’s  President Vjosa Osmani officially confirmed that she had received the act of recognition from her Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto.

Pacolli, who has been actively lobbying for Kenya’s recognition of Kosovo, described this as a significant achievement.

“Seventeen years after Independence, in an extraordinary and unforgettable ceremony, the Republic of Kenya—one of Africa’s most important states—has officially recognised the Republic of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state,” he wrote.

He emphasised that he has been in talks with Kenyan authorities to achieve this goal since 2009.

“I knocked on doors, visited offices, with only one mission—to make the voice and right of the people of Kosovo for freedom, independence, and sovereignty known. President William Ruto has honored the promise he made in 2016,” Pacolli added.

Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani, in an official statement, welcomed Kenya’s decision.

“The Republic of Kosovo welcomes the decision of the Republic of Kenya to recognise Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state, through an official act signed by President Ruto and formally sent to the Presidency moments ago,” Osmani announced on Facebook.

She described the recognition as a testament to Kenya’s continued support for Kosovo’s right to freedom, independence, and sovereignty.

“On behalf of Kosovo’s institutions and citizens, I extend my sincere gratitude to Kenya’s President William Ruto for this just and important decision, as well as to the Kenyan institutions and citizens who supported this major diplomatic step,” Osmani stated.

She also highlighted that she has held several important meetings with Ruto over the years, with Kosovo’s recognition being a key topic of discussion.

Kenya’s recognition of Kosovo comes after a four-year pause in new recognitions, with Israel being the last country to recognise Kosovo in September 2020. 

To date, Kosovo’s independence has been recognised by 117 countries since its declaration of independence on February 17, 2008.