Officially, another country recognizes Kosovo's independence

Former Kosovo President Behgjet Pacolli said on Wednesday that Kenya has officially recognized Kosovo's independence.

Pacolli, a former deputy prime minister of Kosovo, wrote on Facebook that the recognition took place "in an extraordinary and unforgettable ceremony" on March 26.

"The Republic of Kenya – one of the most important countries in Africa – officially recognized the Republic of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state," Pacolli wrote.

Radio Free Europe has asked the Kosovo Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the reported recognition of Kosovo by Kenya, an African country, but has not yet received a response.

Pacolli released a photo from what he said was the signing ceremony of the recognition. In the photo, Pacolli is seen standing next to Kenyan President William Ruto as he signs a document.

Kosovo – which declared independence in 2008 – is recognized by 117 countries around the world, according to the Kosovo Foreign Ministry website.

In recent years there has been a decline in the pace of recognitions and the last state to recognize it was Israel in 2021.

Pacolli took credit for the country's recognition by Kenya, saying that "since 2009, I have personally lobbied and talked with Kenyan authorities to make this day a reality."

"This victory did not come by chance. It is the fruit of long, tireless work, with dedication and sacrifice," he said.

"He visited Kosovo in 2019 and felt the strength and determination of our people. In 2023, during my visit to Nairobi, he took the first step by recognizing our passports. Today, in a grand ceremony, he said it out loud: Kosovo is a state recognized by Kenya," he added.

Ruto met with Kosovo's President, Vjosa Osmani, three times during 2024, according to the Kosovo Presidency.

Pacolli called on the Government of Kosovo to establish diplomatic relations with Kenya and open a joint Embassy with the Republic of Albania in Nairobi.

Pacolli has held several senior roles in Kosovo in the past, including as president from February to April 2011, deputy prime minister from 2011 to 2014, and as deputy prime minister and foreign minister from 2017 to 2020./ REL (A2 Televizion)