Serbia has  called out Kenya for recognising Kosovo as an independent state, calling the move “unacceptable and unfriendly.”

In a statement on Thursday, Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Kenya of violating international law, saying the decision interferes with the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia strongly condemns the decision of the Republic of Kenya to recognise the unilaterally declared independence of so-called ‘Kosovo,” the statement read in part.

It added, “This decision comes in the very year that marks the 80th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Charter, which the Kenyan authorities have disregarded with this move.”

Kenya formerly recognised Kosovo as an independent state on March 26, citing a 2010 International Court of Justice advisory opinion that endorsed Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence. The announcement followed a meeting between President William Ruto and Behgjet Pacolli, Kosovo’s special envoy, at State House in Nairobi.

Serbia dismissed the justification, stating, “We particularly emphasize that any reference to the 2010 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice as justification is unfounded.”

Serbia, a country in Europe, does not recognise Kosovo’s independence and considers it part of its territory.

While many Western nations including the US and UK have recognised Kosovo, Serbia’s allies, including Russia, China, and several Eastern European countries, oppose its independence.

Belgrade warned that Kenya’s decision could strain diplomatic ties and undermine ongoing negotiations to resolve the Kosovo dispute. Serbia vowed to use diplomatic and legal channels to defend its position.

What it means for Kenya

Shortly after bagging Kenya’s recognition, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani committed to boost relations with Kenya.

“We urge all nations, in Africa and beyond, to stand on the right side of history and recognise Kosovo. Recognising Kosovo contributes to strengthening peace and stability in the region and across the broader European continent,” she said.

Kenya’s official recognition of Kosovo marks the start of diplomatic relations including Nairobi’s acceptance of Kosovo travel documents.

Diplomatic fallout

Nairobi’s recognition of Kosovo adds to  a growing list of foreign policy controversies under President Ruto.

In 2022, shortly after his inauguration, Ruto tweeted that Kenya recognised the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (Western Sahara), angering Morocco, which claims the territory. Kenya quickly reversed its stance, aligning with an ongoing UN framework.

Other diplomatic missteps followed, including Kenya’s vocal support for Israel in its war against Hamas, which sparked criticism as Palestinian casualties mounted.

Additionally, Kenya has been accused of siding with Rwanda in efforts to resolve the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Most recently, Kenya hosted members of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who launched a parallel government from Nairobi. In response, Sudan’s government recalled its ambassador in protest.