Kenya–United Kingdom relations
 |
|
 Kenya |
 United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Diplomatic Mission | |
| British High Commission, Nairobi | High Commission of Kenya, London |
| Envoy | |
| High Commissioner Nic Hailey | High Commissioner Lazarus O. Amayo |
Kenya–United Kingdom relations are bilateral relations between Kenya and the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom, Kenya's former colonial master, has been a partner of Kenya in many areas, particularly trade and security (military).
Kenya and the UK have historical relations dating back to the 19th century. Between 1824 and 1826 the Kenyan port city of Mombasa was under British occupation. In 1887 a 16-kilometre-wide strip in the Kenyan coast was leased by the British. In 1895, Kenya became part of the East Africa Protectorate. Kenya, as a member of the British Empire, contributed troops during World War I and World War II.In 1920, Kenya became British Kenya. Kenya achieved independence from the UK in 1963 and was thus a colony of the UK between 1895 and 1963 (68 years).
Between 1963 and 1964, the country was a Commonwealth realm, retaining Elizabeth II as the head of state and Queen of Kenya. The Queen was represented in Kenya by a Governor-General, who was Malcolm MacDonald. The Prime Minister of Kenya was Jomo Kenyatta. In 1964, Kenya became a republic with the President of Kenya as head of state.
Elizabeth II visited Kenya four times, in 1952, 1972, 1983 and 1991.
Following the violent struggle for independence, Kenya and the UK maintained warm relations. At one point, the UK was considered Kenya's most significant ally in the West. The UK provided economic and military assistance to Kenya.
Upon the election of Uhuru Kenyatta as President of Kenya, the UK sought to distance itself diplomatically from Kenya, as Kenyatta had been indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes during the post election violence of 2007. Upon the election of Uhuru Kenyatta as President, the High Commissioner of the UK, Christian Turner, stated that the UK would only deal with Kenya on essential business.
In 2014, Kenyatta's case in the ICC was dropped.
Presently, relations between both countries remain cordial.
...
Wikipedia