Kenya–Portugal_relations
Kenya–Portugal relations
Bilateral relations
Kenya–Portugal relations are bilateral relations between Kenya and Portugal. Both nations have had relations dating back 500 years since the Age of Discovery.[1]
In 1497, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who under the orders of the King of Portugal began sailing to look for a route to India. In 1498, da Gama landed in Mombasa and Malindi both now in present-day Kenya.[2] The Vasco da Gama pillar was constructed in 1498.[3]
Fort Jesus was built in Mombasa by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1596. Between the years of 1631-1895 it changed hands nine times and was fought over by the Portuguese Empire, Imamate of Oman and the British Empire.[4]
Kenya and Portugal established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1977.[5] In 1982, Portugal opened an embassy in Nairobi, however, the embassy was closed and accreditation transferred to the Portuguese embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.[5] In 2019, Portugal re-opened its embassy in Nairobi.[1]
In 2020 Portugal exported goods worth US$16.5 million to Kenya, in which papermaking machines, uncoated paper, and synthetic filaments stand out. And Kenya exported goods worth $5.31 million to Portugal, the majority being agricultural goods such as fruits, dried fruits, vegetable oils, but also fish.[6]
- "Vasco da Gama". HISTORY. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
- "Malindi: The home of Vasco da Gama Pillar". Nation. 29 June 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
- Wandimi, Jean (29 April 2017). "A Brief History of Fort Jesus, Kenya's Portuguese Fortress". Culture Trip. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
- "Economy and trade". Embassy of Portugal in Kenya. Retrieved 30 August 2022.