Kenya–Sweden relations

Kenya – Sweden relations
Map indicating locations of Kenya and Sweden

Kenya
Sweden

Kenya–Sweden relations are bilateral relations between Kenya and Sweden.

History

In the early 1900s the first Swedish companies, explorers, scientists and missionaries came to Kenya.[1]

In 1921, a career consulate was established for British East Africa, placing the vice-consulate in Mombasa under its authority. Its jurisdiction eventually extended to Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika, and Zanzibar. Subordinate vice-consulates at the time included those in Port Louis, Salisbury, and Windhoek. The consulate was upgraded to a consulate general in 1962.[2]

On 12 December 1963, Kenya declared itself an independent state, and Sweden immediately recognized it. Sweden was represented at the independence celebrations in Kenya by Consul General Otto Rathsman in Nairobi, in the capacity of Ambassadeur émission spéciale.[3] During the council meeting on 31 January 1964, Consul General Rathsman was appointed ambassador to Nairobi, following Kenya's achievement of independence on 12 December the previous year.[4] The consulate general was thus transformed into an embassy.

Development cooperation

Sweden is cooperating with Kenya on the long-term goal of making Kenya a high-middle-income country through Vision 2030 based on the economic, social and political pillars. Sweden also recognises that Kenya plays a key role in regional peace and stability.[5]

Key areas for Kenya and Swedish cooperation are:[6]

  • Poverty reduction
  • Governance
  • Natural Resources and Environment[7]
  • Urban Development

In 2012 humanitarian assistance from Sweden to Kenya totalled KES. 900 million (EUR. 8.7 million). Total Swedish support for development programmes is estimated at KES. 5.2 billion (EUR. 50.2 million).[6]

Economic relations

In 1973 both countries signed a double tax avoidance agreement. Between 2003 and 2012 trade between both countries increased 310%.[8]

In 2012 trade Kenya exported goods worth KES. 4.9 billion (EUR. 47.34 million) to Sweden. In addition, Sweden exported goods worth KES. 6.3 billion (EUR. 61 million).[8]

Kenya's main exports to Sweden include: coffee, cut flowers, fruits and vegetables.[8]

Sweden's main exports to Kenya include: telecommunication equipment, paper, machinery, manufactured products, medical equipment and vehicles.[8]

Over 50 Swedish multinational corporations such as ABB, Alfa Laval, Atlas Copco, Bahco, Ericsson, Saab, Sandvik, Scania, SKF, TetraPak and Volvo have operations in Kenya. Majority of the firms run their Africa operations from Nairobi.[8]

Kenya is considered an access point to East African markets.

Diplomatic missions

Kenya has an embassy in Stockholm. Sweden has an embassy in Nairobi.

  • Embassy of Kenya in Stockholm
    Embassy of Kenya in Stockholm

See also

References

  1. ^ [1] Archived 2017-02-05 at the Wayback Machine. Sweden Kenya 50 years of Friendship and Cooperation. Retrieved on 2 February 2015.
  2. ^ "Consulate Nairobi (1921 – 1964)" [Consulate Nairobi (1921 – 1964)] (in Swedish). National Archives of Sweden. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  3. ^ "Kenyas självständighetsdag" [Kenya Independence Day]. Svenska Dagbladet (in Swedish). 1963-12-13. p. A23. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Budapest och Bukarest får svenska ambassader" [Budapest and Bucharest get Swedish embassies]. Svenska Dagbladet (in Swedish). 1964-02-01. p. 8A. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  5. ^ [2] Archived 2015-02-02 at archive.today. Sweden Sees Great Future For Kenya. Retrieved on 2 February 2015.
  6. ^ a b [3] Archived 2017-02-05 at the Wayback Machine. Swedish Development Cooperation with Kenya. Retrieved on 2 February 2015.
  7. ^ [4]. Swedish-African forest relations. Retrieved on 2 February 2015.
  8. ^ a b c d e [5] Archived 2017-02-05 at the Wayback Machine. Trade relations between Sweden and Kenya. Retrieved on 2 February 2015.