Kenya–South Korea relations

Kenya–South Korea relations are bilateral relations between Kenya and South Korea.

History

Ties between Kenya and South Korea date back to February 1964,
Relationship between South Korea, Kenya in bloom. Retrieved on 20 January 2015. as representatives from both countries engaged in diplomatic exchanges, which marked the formal establishment of the relations.

Previously to this formal diplomatic exchange, Kenya reportedly donated relief food valued at US$10,000 to the Korea shortly after gaining independence Korean independence movement, (South Korean independence). This showed Kenya's support and goodwill to support Korea during challenging times.

Tourism

In 2012, 9,400 Koreans visited Kenya. That made South Korea the fourth largest source of visitors from Asia to Kenya after India, China and Japan.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, around 15,000 Korean tourists were visiting Kenya annually, and these numbers have been picking up rapidly to pre-pandemic figures.

The beauty of Kenya's large African savanna, safari tours and encounters with indigenous communities have drawn these Korean travellers to visit and explore the East African nation.

State visits

In 2016, Former President Park Geun-hye of South Korea made a state visit to Kenya as part of her Africa tour.
South Korea and Turkey heads of state to visit Nairobi. Retrieved on 3 April 2017.

Numerous agreements were signed to improve cooperation in various fields as well as improve bilateral relations.
Kenya, South Korea agree to fast-track bilateral agreements. Retrieved on 3 April 2017.

In 2018 Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon visited Kenya. He held talks with President Kenyatta. They discussed deepening bilateral ties and increasing trade.

In 2012, South Korean Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik visited Kenya. He held talks with President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga also visited South Korea in 2012.
. Kenya PM back from Far East tour. Retrieved on 20 January 2015. He held talks with Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik.

In November 2022, President William Ruto made a bilateral state visit to South Korea. He held talks with President Yoon Suk-yeol.

Incidents

In June 2012, Korean Air started flying from Seoul to Nairobi. To promote the launch of the flights, Korean Air's Twitter feed stated, "...Fly Korean Air and enjoy the grand African Savanna, the safari tour, and the indigenous people full of primitive energy." Kenyans expressed their anger on social media. They particularly expressed concern that the airline called them primitive. The airline later apologised over the matter, stating that the mishap was a result of a bad translation from Korean to English.
Korean Air Apologizes For Calling Kenyans 'Primitive'. Retrieved on 20 January 2015.

In late 2014, Korean Air flights were suspended due to the Western African Ebola virus epidemic, West African ebola crisis. Flights resumed in July 2015.

Trade

Bilateral trade between both countries is worth KES. 30.2 billion (US$330 million). Kenya exports about KES. 2.74 billion (US$30 million) worth of goods to South Korea. South Korea exports about KES. 27.4 billion (US$300 million) worth of goods to Kenya.
Kenyan envoy bids farewell. Retrieved on 20 January 2015. In 2009, Kenya exported about KES. 90 million (US$1 million) worth of coffee to Korea, in 2013 the figure rose to KES. 540 million (US$6 million).

Main exports from Kenya to Korea include: tobacco, coffee, scrap metal, gemstones, pyrethrum, spices, fish, wood products, handicrafts and beer.
Trade Between Kenya and South Korea. Retrieved on 20 January 2015.

Main exports from Korea to Kenya include: iron & steel products, plastics, electrical machinery, ICT equipment, chemicals, rubber products, pharmaceuticals, motor vehicles.

Both countries signed MOUs and agreements to improve trade, oversee grants and development assistance, promotion and protection of investments in Kenya and Korea and an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation.

Trade between Kenya and South Korea
South Korea joins Asian giants in race for lucrative Kenya deals. Retrieved on 7 August 2018.
(in billions Kenyan Shillings )

FDI and Infrastructure

Many South Korean firms such as Samsung, LG and Hyundai maintain their regional headquarters in Nairobi. Samsung announced plans to set up a TV assembly plant in Kenya. In 2012, Daewoo was awarded a deal worth KES. 119 billion (US$1.3 billion) to construct a power plant in Kilifi County, Kenya.
Daewoo International signs deal to build $1.3 bln Kenyan power station. Retrieved on 20 January 2015.

Diplomatic missions

South Korea maintains an embassy in Nairobi. Kenya has an embassy in Seoul, which was opened in 2007.

See also

* Kenya–North Korea relations

External links

Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Seoul

Embassy of South Korea in Nairobi

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kenya-South Korea relations
Bilateral relations of South Korea
Korea, South