Germany and Kenya traditionally have close relations based on partnership. The Federal Republic of Germany was the first country to recognise Kenya under international law after Kenya gained independence in 1963. In September 2024, Kenya was the partner country at the Federal President’s citizens’ festival, in which President Ruto took part as guest of honour. During this visit, he also met Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Germany regards Kenya as an important partner in a crisis-ridden region and one of its key economic partners in East Africa. More than 100 German companies have a base in Kenya, which some of them use to serve the East African region. Kenya and Germany have common interests, including the promotion of stability, peace and security as well as protection of the environment.

In 2024, Germany and Kenya agreed on a Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership. The agreement comprises two main components: arrangements in the sphere of educational and employment migration as well as regulations on enhanced cooperation on repatriation. Kenya is also an important partner in the fight against climate change and in fostering youth employment. In keeping with the Climate and Development Partnership signed in late 2022, in future there is to be even closer cooperation with the aim of cutting CO2 emissions as well as advancing climate-friendly growth and the adaptation of agriculture to climate change. This is in line with the three priorities of German development cooperation in Kenya: climate and energy, agriculture and sustainable economic development. Furthermore, Germany is supporting Kenya in its efforts to combat corruption as well as take in and integrate refugees.

Education and sport, language work, scholarships and capacity-building in the sphere of film are the focuses of cultural cooperation. The Goethe-Institut in Nairobi promotes cultural exchange and language. The regional office of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) fosters academic exchange between Kenya and Germany, not least by funding scholarships and supporting university partnerships. What is more, since 2020 German has been offered as an optional subject at Kenyan schools.