Kenya has reiterated its recognition of the Federal Government of Somalia as the sole legitimate authority over the entire Somali territory, while simultaneously confirming continued engagement with the regional administrations of Jubaland and Somaliland.
In a statement issued on Monday by the State Department for Foreign Affairs, the Kenyan government emphasized its commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, in accordance with international and regional legal frameworks.
“Kenya unequivocally recognizes the authority of the Federal Government in Mogadishu as the only legitimate body responsible for governing all regions of Somalia,” the statement said.
However, Nairobi clarified that it will continue to maintain contact with sub-national entities such as Jubaland and Somaliland, particularly to support ongoing security cooperation and commercial interests. These engagements, it said, will be coordinated in consultation with Somalia’s federal authorities.
“To advance our mutual partnership, Kenya will engage with subnational governments in Jubaland and Somaliland, and may establish diplomatic presence where necessary, subject to prior agreement with the Federal Government,” the statement added.
Kenya’s position, the Foreign Ministry explained, is rooted in its commitments under the United Nations Charter, the African Union’s Constitutive Act, the East African Community Treaty, and its national foreign policy, all of which emphasize respect for sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
The statement also highlighted the deep historical, cultural, and kinship ties that bind Kenya and Somalia, noting that these shared values form the foundation of their long-standing relationship and common vision for regional peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Kenya described Somalia as a “strategic ally” in pursuing these goals and pledged to continue strengthening bilateral relations based on mutual trust and respect.
This latest reaffirmation of policy comes amid increased scrutiny of Kenya’s recent foreign policy moves, including its recognition of Kosovo’s independence in March—an act that strained relations with Serbia—and its controversial hosting of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi, which led to Sudan suspending tea imports from Kenya in retaliation.