Kenya and South Africa often describe each other as strategic partners, champions of the continent’s integration, and allies. The two countries are also regarded as gateways to their respective regions. However, they quietly compete.   

During President William Ruto’s State Visit to South Africa, geopolitical differences between the two countries appeared to take a back seat, as Kenya’s President and President Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa) positioned their countries as drivers of Africa’s global agenda.  

Ahead of the June 4 State Visit, President Ramaphosa’s office said South Africa enjoyed long-standing, mutually beneficial, and cordial relations. On the other hand, President Ruto emphasised the economic benefits of the partnership, stating that trade ties continued to flourish. He highlighted the many South African companies that have invested in Kenya, creating jobs and making an important contribution to Kenya’s economic growth.  

Although the two countries differ in their world outlook, with Kenya facing the West while South Africa aligns more closely with the Global South, Kenya remains South Africa’s top partner in East Africa for trade and investment. This was the major focus during the State Visit.    

The two leaders rejected the notion that Africa is merely a spectator in a rapidly changing global order, each asserting that the continent is increasingly shaping global debates on governance, finance, development and peace.   

The two leaders outlined how Kenya and South Africa are collaborating to advance African interests amid intensifying geopolitical competition and shifting global power dynamics. President Ramaphosa said that while South Africa and Kenya do not consider themselves superior to other African countries, both nations possess influence that can be used to advance continental priorities.   

The South African President stressed that the two countries’ relations are based on partnership rather than competition, and that they consistently find common ground on continental and international issues and have strengthened cooperation through institutions such as the African Union (AU).   

President Ramaphosa highlighted ongoing collaboration on conflict resolution across Africa. He cited the roles both countries have played in peace initiatives in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, and South Sudan.   

President Ruto said Africa is increasingly moving from the margins of global decision-making to the centre of international conversations, arguing that African leaders have successfully brought previously overlooked issues to the global agenda. He cited ongoing efforts to reform the global financial architecture as an example of Africa’s growing influence. He highlighted the establishment of an African credit rating agency and growing calls for reform of global financial institutions as evidence that Africa’s concerns are being heard.   

In addition, President Ruto highlighted Africa’s inclusion in the G20 as a major diplomatic achievement, praising South Africa’s leadership during its G20 Presidency and noting that it successfully elevated African priorities on the global stage. President Ruto is expected to continue advancing the same agenda when he participates in the G7 Summit in France later this month.   

A Complicated Relationship   

For years, Kenya and South Africa’s relationship has been complicated, contrary to what diplomatic scripts suggest.   

In November last year, when South Africa hosted the first-ever G20 Summit on African soil in Johannesburg, Kenya adopted a notably low-profile approach, quietly downgrading its representation. Kenya did not attend at either the presidential or ministerial level, eventually sending an ambassador to the event.  

Last month, at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, co-hosted by Kenya and France, South Africa followed suit with a comparable downgrade. Although initial indications suggested that President Ramaphosa would not attend due to domestic commitments, the South African government later nominated a Minister in the Presidency to lead its delegation. However, just two days before the summit, the Minister also withdrew, and South Africa ultimately sent an acting director-general from the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.   

The late withdrawals, reduced representation, and restrained official communication fuelled speculation in diplomatic circles that the two countries, which have significant influence on the continent, may be engaging in a quiet summit-level tit-for-tat.   

Further speculation arose that President Ramaphosa was unhappy after French President Emmanuel Macron withdrew an earlier invitation to attend the G7 Summit in France, which had been extended during the Johannesburg G20 Summit. The withdrawal is alleged to have followed objections from the U.S., which instead extended an invitation to President Ruto.    

A Stronger African Voice 

Throughout the State Visit, the remarks by both leaders indicated that the two countries view their partnership not only as a bilateral relationship but also as a vehicle for advancing Africa’s development, strengthening continental institutions, and ensuring the continent has a stronger voice in shaping the future global order.