Kenya is a country in East Africa with a total population of 38.6 million people. It covers 580,000 km² and has a coastline of 536 km along the Indian Ocean. It shares borders with Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda. The Kenyan economy relies heavily on tourism and agriculture.

Kenya has a key role in regional cooperation as an active member of several regional bodies. Kenya is important to the region, mediating political and peace agreements in neighbouring countries, and it hosts a significant refugee population.

Following the crisis that arose from flawed Presidential elections at the end of 2007, the AU mediated the National Accord and Reconciliation Act, establishing a Coalition Government and setting out thorough reforms to take in hand issues which contributed to the crisis. As part of the National Accord, Kenya has voted in a new Constitution that must be implemented over the coming years if the country is to make sustained progress. 

Key issues in EU-Kenya relations

The EU and Kenya signed a Country Strategy Paper in December 2007 for the period 2008–13 with a budget of € 399 M, written under the 10th European Development Fund. This is a continuation of the long-standing partnership between the EU and Kenya. The document highlights the need for greater regional economic integration with a focus on transport infrastructure and agriculture and rural development. Addressing these focal areas will allow for better trade and economic growth.

Better transport is necessary for the continued economic development, both nationally and regionally, as well as helping to contribute to poverty reduction. Improvements in agriculture and rural development will allow for increased living standards for those whose livelihoods depend on agriculture by working to put into place sustainable development practices.

Cooperation amongst donors to Kenya is strong, and the EU Strategy is coordinated with the overall donor strategy.

The EU, like other partners, is determined that future cooperation will contribute to a sustained and inclusive development process, and will underpin this through the political dialogue which it encourages with each partner country.