Kenya recognises Kosovo as independent state, first such move in five years

PRISTINA (Reuters) - Kenya has recognised Kosovo as an independent state, the first country to do so after nearly five years of stalled efforts to gain further international recognition.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but is not a United Nations member due to opposition from Serbia and its allies, including U.N.-veto holders Russia and China.

Over 110 countries, including the United States and most European nations, have recognised Kosovo's independence.

The announcement was made by former Kosovo president Behgjet Pacolli, who shared photos on his Facebook page with Kenyan President William Ruto as he signed the recognition letter.

"I have gone door to door, office to office, with only one goal - to make the voice and the right of the people of Kosovo for freedom, independence and sovereignty being heard," Pacolli said, adding that he had been lobbying for this since 2009.

The last country to recognise Kosovo as a state was Israel in September 2020.

(Reporting by Fatos Bytyci)