About The Embassy

Background and Establishment of the Kenya Embassy in Brussels

The Kenya Embassy in Brussels was established in 1978 and is accredited to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and the European Union (EU). Its establishment followed the signing of the George Town Agreement in 1975, establishing the Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) Group of Countries under the framework of Lomé I.

Kenya, a pioneer signatory to the Convention, has actively participated in ACP-EU cooperation through various conventions, including the Cotonou Partnership Agreement signed in 2000 and revised in 2005, as well as the Second Revised Cotonou Agreement signed in 2010. The Embassy plays a crucial role in promoting and enhancing bilateral relations between Kenya, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the EU.

Objectives and Focus Areas of the Embassy

The Embassy's primary objective is to expand, consolidate, and strengthen relations with the EU, Belgium, and Luxembourg across multiple fields. It focuses on areas such as finance, trade, development, tourism, and education. Kenya's active engagement with the EU is underscored by its membership in institutions like the European Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament.

The Embassy also collaborates closely with joint ACP-EU institutions, including the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Technical Centre for Agriculture & Rural Development (CTA).

Furthermore, it is involved in advancing Kenya's interests at the World Customs Organization and participates in multilateral trade negotiations, including Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and the ACP Post-2020 discussions.

Significance of the Embassy in Kenya's Diplomatic Landscape

The Embassy in Brussels holds strategic importance within Kenya's global diplomatic efforts. The EU stands as Kenya’s second-largest development cooperation partner after the World Bank. Additionally, the EU serves as the second-largest destination for Kenya’s exports after COMESA, accounting for over a third of total exports. Furthermore, nearly half of Kenya's tourist arrivals originate from the European Union, highlighting the significance of diplomatic relations in the tourism sector.

The Embassy’s role in strengthening these connections and fostering collaborations underscores its pivotal position in advancing Kenya’s economic, trade, and developmental interests on the international stage.