Kenya–South Africa relations are bilateral relations between

Kenya ) , national_anthem = " Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu"() , image_map = , map_caption = , image_map2 = , capital = Nairobi , coordinates = , largest_city = Nairobi ...

and

South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the Southern Africa, southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by of coastline that stretch along the Atlantic Ocean, South Atlantic and Indian Oceans; to the ...

History

Apartheid

During South Africa's apartheid regime, cordial relations with Kenya were maintained as Kenya was one of Africa's leading pro-Western governments. These relations weren't publicized and didn't go beyond trade until 1990. In November 1990 South Africa's minister of foreign affairs, Pik Botha, visited Kenya in the first publicized ministerial-level contact between the two countries since 1960. Relations were further consolidated when President de Klerk visited Kenya in June 1991 and Kenyan president Daniel Arap Moi visited Cape Town in June 1992; this was the first visit to South Africa by an African head of state.
Relations with African States. Retrieved on 9 January 2015. Kenya's Government failed to exert enough pressure against South African regime over its apartheid policy for many years in various international forms. While Kenya supported resolutions by the Organisation of African Unity, OAU which prohibited any kind of interaction with South Africa, prominent Government officials still continued to act in a way which compromised its position.
. SOUTH AFRICA’S FOREIGN RELATIONS TOWARDS KENYA: THE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DYNAMICS. Retrieved on 9 January 2015. It is suggested that Kenya heavily relied on European partners for trade so it couldn't fully comply with the OAU's resolutions.
National Interests Paramount in Kenya-South Africa Relations. Retrieved on 9 January 2015. Others claim that it Kenya's principle of ‘non-interference’ which limited Kenya from playing a more robust role in South Africa's liberation struggle.

Post-apartheid

The history of relations is that Kenya, compared to Tanzania for example was not very supportive of the South African liberation struggle. It was against this background that relations between South Africa and Kenya were not very warm during the early days of post apartheid. Relations have gradually improved. Former President

Uhuru Kenyatta Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta (born 26 October 1961) is a Kenyan politician who served as the fourth president of Kenya from 2013 to 2022. Kenyatta was chosen by Daniel Arap Moi as his preferred successor, but Kenyatta was defeated by opposition le ...

of Kenya has visited Pretoria, on official capacity. Jacob Zuma has also visited Nairobi.

Trade and economy

In early 2013, Kenya and South Africa were said to be working on a preferential trade agreement that could eliminate administrative barriers and boost exchange of goods and services between the two nations. A joint trade committee was formed in 2011 to resolve trade barriers.
Kenya moves closer to striking trade deal with South Africa. Retrieved on 9 January 2015. South Africa has increased its chunk of Kenya's market in the last 10 years to become the fifth largest source of imports after shipping in Kes.73.8 billion ($810 million) worth of goods in 2011. In comparison, official statistics showing that Kenya only managed to export just Kes.2.8 billion ($31 million) over the period. However, the rapid growth of imports from South Africa is driven mainly by demand, not cordial bilateral relations.
. SA firms seek investment opportunities in Kenya. Retrieved on 9 January 2015. Numerous South African companies have operations in Kenya. They operate in sectors such as banking, insurance, accountancy, pharmaceuticals, retail, tourism and engineering. FirstRand Bank, Standard Bank, Old Mutual and SABMiller are just some of the major South African firms with operations in Kenya.
SA business shows renewed interest in Kenya. Retrieved on 9 January 2015.

Diplomatic missions

* Kenya has a high commission in

Pretoria Pretoria () is South Africa's administrative capital, serving as the seat of the executive branch of government, and as the host to all foreign embassies to South Africa. Pretoria straddles the Apies River and extends eastward into the foot ...

. * South Africa has a high commission in

Nairobi Nairobi ( ) is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The name is derived from the Maasai phrase ''Enkare Nairobi'', which translates to "place of cool waters", a reference to the Nairobi River which flows through the city. The city proper h ...

.South African High Commission in Nairobi
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References