Kenya–Portugal relations

Kenyan–Portuguese relations are bilateral relations between Kenya and Portugal.

Kenya – Portugal relations

Kenya	Portugal

History

Kenya and Portugal have had relations dating back to about 500 years.[1]

That started with Vasco da Gama who under the orders of the King of Portugal in 1497 began sailing to look for a route to India. In 1498 Vasco da Gama landed in Mombasa and Malindi both now in present-day Kenya.[2] The Vasco da Gama pillar was constructed in 1498.[3]

Fort Jesus was built in Mombasa by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1596. Between the years of 1631 - 1895 it changed hands 9 times being fought over by the Portuguese Empire, Imamate of Oman and the British Empire.[4]

Trade

Fort Jesus Mombasa

Total trade is approximately KES. 2.12 billion (EUR. 19.4 million).[5]

Kenya exported goods worth KES. 0.48 billion (EUR. 4.4 million) to Portugal. Portugal exported goods worth KES. 1.64 billion (EUR. 15 million).[5]

Kenya's main exports to Portugal include: fruits, nuts and fish.[5]

Portugal's main exports to Kenya include: automated data processing machines.[5]

Diplomatic missions

Kenya's embassy in Paris is accredited to Portugal.[6] Portugal's embassy in Nairobi was opened in late 2019.[1]

References

1. . PORTUGAL LAST WEEK OPENED ITS EMBASSY IN KENYA MARKING A NEW PHASE IN DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS. Retrieved on 13 February 2020.
2. . Vasco da Gama. Retrieved on 13 February 2020.
3. . Malindi: The home of Vasco da Gama Pillar. Retrieved on 13 February 2020.
4. . A Brief History of Fort Jesus, Kenya's Portuguese Fortress. Retrieved on 13 February 2020.
5. . TALKING NOTES ON THE signing of DTA with Portugal. Retrieved on 13 February 2020.
6. . CONTACTS | HIGH COMMISSIONS AND EMBASSIES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA. Retrieved on 13 February 2020.