Kenya's recognition of Kosovo sparks diplomatic row with Serbia

President William Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani's special envoy Behgjet Pacoli at State House, Nairobi on March 27, 2025. (Photo: MFA)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Thursday, March 27, 2025

Serbia stated that it would take necessary political and diplomatic measures in response to Kenya’s decision.

Kenya’s decision to recognize Kosovo as an independent state has triggered a strong diplomatic reaction from Serbia, which has termed the move a violation of international law.

The recognition, confirmed on Wednesday, makes Kenya the first country to acknowledge Kosovo’s sovereignty in nearly five years, reigniting tensions surrounding the region’s disputed status.

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Serbia, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a sharp condemnation, stating that Kenya’s action disregards United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, which upholds Serbia’s sovereignty over Kosovo.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia strongly condemns the decision of the Republic of Kenya to recognize the unilaterally declared independence of the so-called 'Kosovo,'" the statement read.

The Serbian government emphasized that the resolution remains binding and reaffirmed that Kosovo is still part of its territory under international law.

Serbia also noted that the decision contradicts global efforts to uphold territorial integrity and stability, particularly as the world marks 80 years since the adoption of the UN Charter.

“This decision also undermines efforts to foster constructive dialogue, regional stability, and respect for the international legal order,” the Serbian ministry stated.

The government further dismissed any reference to the 2010 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as a justification for Kenya’s move, saying such an argument is unfounded.

Disappointment

Beyond the legal concerns, Serbia expressed disappointment over how this recognition could affect diplomatic ties with Kenya. The ministry described the decision as a “troubling precedent” that could strain the historically strong relations between the two nations, which have been built over decades of cooperation within the Non-Aligned Movement.

Warning of diplomatic repercussions, Serbia stated that it would take necessary political and diplomatic measures in response to Kenya’s decision, though it did not specify what those actions would entail.

The country also pointed out that in recent years, multiple nations have reversed their recognition of Kosovo, highlighting that “over the past eight years, 28 countries have withdrawn or suspended their recognition of Kosovo’s unilaterally declared independence, while only two new states have granted recognition.”

Despite Serbia’s objections, Kenya’s move was welcomed by Kosovo’s allies. Albanian President Bajram Begaj publicly acknowledged Kenya’s recognition of Kosovo following a meeting between Kosovo’s Special Envoy Behgjet Pacolli and Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi.

"Pleased that Kenya has recognised the state of Kosovo today. I extend my gratitude to my friend (President) William Ruto for this decision, warmly welcomed by all Albanians," Begaj wrote on X.

Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, continues to face opposition from Serbia and its key allies, including Russia and China, which have blocked its UN membership.

While more than 110 countries, including the United States and most of Europe, have recognized Kosovo as an independent state, efforts to secure further recognition have slowed in recent years.