Ethiopia–Kenya relations

Ethiopian–Kenyan relations

Ethiopia
Kenya

Ethiopia–Kenya relations are bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Kenya. The two nations maintain primarily trade ties.

Overview

Ethiopia first established ties with the British colonial administration in the East Africa Protectorate in 1907, when the Ethiopia-Kenya border was initially defined. The boundary was further clarified in 1947, and then formally demarcated in 1950-1955.[1]

In 1954, Ethiopia established an Honorary Consulate General in Kenya, formally establishing ties between it and the colonial administration.[1]

During Ethiopia's occupation by Italy, Ethiopian forces operated in British Kenyan territory, where they retrieved supplies. The Kenyan rebel group Mau Mau also operated within Ethiopian territory during the former's struggle for independence.[1]

In 1961, while Kenya was still a British colony, Ethiopia appointed its first Ambassador to Kenya. Kenya opened an embassy in Addis Ababa six years later.[1]

After Kenya's independence, a Joint Inter-Ministerial Consultative Committee reviewed the boundary between both nations. A treaty to this effect was subsequently signed in 1970.[1]

Trade and development

Ethiopia and Kenya maintain trading ties. Both countries are members of the IGAD trading bloc.

However, commerce is largely unidirectional, with Ethiopia mainly importing products from Kenya. In 2012, Ethiopia exported $4 million worth of goods to Kenya, while Kenya exported $54 million in commodities to Ethiopia.[2]

In 2012, the countries signed a Special Status Agreement. The deal stipulates that both parties are permitted to open representative offices in each other's territory for trade facilitation, information sharing and liaison purposes. The Ethiopian Parliament later approved the treaty in April 2014.[2]

Additionally, the Ethiopian and Kenyan governments have invested in cross-border infrastructure. The Addis Ababa-Nairobi road project was launched in 2012. It was meant to tarmac the 505km section between Isiolo and Moyale on the frontier. The highway project is slated for completion in 2015.[3]

In 2016, the two countries agreed to build an oil pipeline that would run from the Kenyan port of Lamu to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. This would be one of various infrastructural projects on which the two countries would work together.

Diplomatic missions

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 . Ethiopia-Kenya relations. Retrieved on 12 January 2015.
  2. 1 2 . Ethiopia opens doors to trade with Kenya. Retrieved on 12 January 2015.
  3. ↑ . Moyale Road to open up trade, says Kenya National Highways Authority. Retrieved on 12 January 2015.
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