Both nations have had relations dating back 500 years since the Age of Discovery.

[1] In 1497, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who under the orders of the King of Portugal began sailing to look for a route to India.

In 1498, da Gama landed in Mombasa and Malindi both now in present-day Kenya.

[1] In 2020 Portugal exported goods worth US$16.5 million to Kenya, in which papermaking machines, uncoated paper, and synthetic filaments stand out.

And Kenya exported goods worth $5.31 million to Portugal, the majority being agricultural goods such as fruits, dried fruits, vegetable oils, but also fish.