Germany–Kenya relations

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German-Kenyan relations
Map indicating locations of Germany and Kenya

Germany
Kenya

German–Kenyan relations are bilateral relations between Germany and Kenya.

History

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The young Uhuru (President 2013–2022, Kenya) with his father Kenyatta (First President of Kenya) and the West German President Heinrich Lübke.

Germany was the first country to recognise Kenya on independence.[1] Both countries enjoy warm relations.

High-level Visits

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In February 2020, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Nairobi and held talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta. The visit centered on increasing cooperation in education and technology transfer.[2] In June of 2023 the German chancellor visited Kenya on a 2 day visit.

German ambassador to Kenya

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The current German ambassador to Kenya is named Sebastian Groth. He has been in this position since june 2022. He was also in office during the visit of Olaf Scholz. He speaks German, French, English and Kiswahili. He has amassed a decent following on X. [3]

In July 2011, German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Kenya. She held talks with President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The Chancellor was on a tour to begin the newly incepted 'Afrika-Konzept'.[4]

In 1966, President Heinrich Lübke of West Germany visited Nairobi.

In 2014, the former Foreign Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, Amina Mohamed met with then Foreign Affairs Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin.[5]

In the same year, Former President of Germany, Horst Köhler led a trade delegation to Nairobi.[6] He also held talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Germany is usually the third or fourth largest source of tourists to Kenya. Germany unlike other European countries restrained itself from issuing travel advisories to Kenya.[6]

Development cooperation

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German development cooperation from 2014 to 2016 is said to be worth KES. 14.6 billion (EUR. 138 million).[7]

Key areas for Kenya and Germany are:

  • Agriculture (focusing on food security and drought resilience)[7]
  • Development of the water and sanitation sector[7]
  • Support for the health sector[7]
  • Good governance (tackling corruption and improving transparency and accountability)[7]
  • Renewable energy and energy efficiency
  • Education

Official Development Assistance (ODA) for Kenya amounts up to KES. 24.08 billion (EUR. 227 million) annually (2011/2012). Germany is Kenya's second largest financial donor. Numerous German political foundations also have a Kenyan office.

Trade

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Germany is Kenya's third largest export market in Europe after the UK and the Netherlands.[6]

In 2019, Kenya exported goods worth KES. 11.28 bn (EUR. 100 million). Germany exported goods worth KES. 44.4 bn (EUR. 400 million).[2]

In 2013, Kenya exported goods worth KES. 8.24 billion (EUR. 78 million) to Germany. Germany exported goods worth KES. 37.49 billion (EUR. 354 million) to Kenya.[6]

Kenya and Germany signed an agreement to avoid double taxation in 1977.

FDI

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Companies such as BASF and Lufthansa Cargo have operations in Kenya. Over 60 German companies have invested more than KES. 9 billion (EUR. 86 million) in Kenya.

Migration

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A deal signed by both countries in September 2024 opened German labour market for up to a quarter of a million skilled and semi skilled workers from Kenya. It also included an agreement on readmission and return of unwanted individuals. The deal was made at a time when the anti-immigration AfD party was growing in popularity in Germany.[8] On the side of Kenya the deal is struck next month after its young population's massive riots limited the goverment's ability to impose tax increases.[9] There are concerns about brain drain in Kenya, as professionals such as doctors and nurses could leave for better-paying jobs in Germany.[10]

Diplomatic missions

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Kenya had diplomatic relations with West Germany and the embassy was located in Bonn.[11] After the unification of East and West Germany, the embassy moved to Berlin.

Germany has an embassy in Nairobi.

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References

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  1. ^ [1] Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine.Germany and Kenya. Retrieved on 18 January 2015.
  2. ^ a b [2] Archived 2015-01-18 at the Wayback Machine.German investors seek new ventures in Kenya. Retrieved on 24 February 2020.
  3. ^ [3].Kenya, Germany to partner on technology transfer. Retrieved on 24 February 2020.
  4. ^ [4].VISIT BY CHANCELLOR MERKEL | Kenya Embassy, Berlin. Retrieved on 18 January 2015.
  5. ^ Charo, Josephat (7 February 2014). "Kenyan-German relations". DW.com. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d [5] Archived 2015-01-18 at the Wayback Machine.German investors seek new ventures in Kenya. Retrieved on 18 January 2015.
  7. ^ a b c d e [6] Archived 2017-01-02 at the Wayback Machine.Kenya | Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. Retrieved on 18 January 2015.
  8. ^ "German opens door for thousands of Kenyan workers in labour deal". BBC. 2024-09-14. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
  9. ^ Otieno, Otieno; Anyanzwa, James (22 June 2024). "Kenya anti-tax protests unveil youth verve that could change region's future politics". The EastAfrican. Archived from the original on 23 June 2024. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  10. ^ "Germany to welcome Kenyans in labour deal". BBC. 14 September 2024.
  11. ^ [7].Bilateral Relations | Kenya and Germany. Retrieved on 18 January 2015.
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