The Kenyan government has officially distanced itself from the recent opening of a Somaliland Mission office in Nairobi, reaffirming its recognition of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Kenya underscored that it does not recognize the diplomatic status of the newly unveiled Somaliland office, which was inaugurated on May 29 by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro.
Despite the high-profile event being attended by prominent Kenyan leaders, including Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and Marsabit Senator Mohamed Said Chute, the Ministry made it clear that the opening did not receive formal approval from the national government.
“The Government of Kenya respectfully reaffirms its unwavering recognition of the Federal Republic of Somalia as a sovereign state,” the statement said, adding that any official engagements with Somaliland must go through the central government in Mogadishu.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, continues to function autonomously with its own governing institutions and security apparatus. However, it remains internationally unrecognized and is still viewed as part of Somalia under international law.
Kenya has maintained informal ties with Somaliland in areas such as trade, education, and security cooperation. Still, Nairobi’s latest statement draws a clear line, reaffirming its diplomatic alignment with Mogadishu.
Somaliland officials, on the other hand, have described the Nairobi mission as a diplomatic breakthrough and a symbol of growing international outreach.
While Kenya’s position remains consistent with that of the African Union and the United Nations, the move highlights the delicate diplomatic balancing act Nairobi faces in navigating Horn of Africa politics.