Kenya Reaffirms Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty, Denies Sanctioning Somaliland Office in Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya – May 26 — Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has moved swiftly to reaffirm the country’s diplomatic stance on Somalia, issuing a clarifying statement that it fully recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The government also denied reports suggesting it had approved the establishment of a Somaliland liaison office in Nairobi.

The clarification came amid confusion and diplomatic unease triggered by unverified claims regarding a planned Somaliland representative office in the Kenyan capital. In its official statement, the Foreign Ministry emphasized that Kenya’s policy aligns with that of the African Union, which recognizes only one Somali state — the Federal Republic of Somalia.

“Kenya has not sanctioned the opening of a Somaliland diplomatic mission in Nairobi,” the ministry stated firmly. “Our engagements in the Horn of Africa are guided by international law and the principles of mutual respect and cooperation.”

While reiterating Kenya’s openness to dialogue, the ministry noted that any interactions with Somaliland — a self-declared autonomous region of Somalia — would be pursued through established official frameworks and without implying formal recognition of its statehood.

Officials in Mogadishu swiftly welcomed Kenya’s statement as a positive step toward reinforcing the longstanding bilateral ties between the two nations. “This unequivocal affirmation by Kenya supports regional stability and reflects respect for Somalia’s sovereignty,” said a spokesperson from Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Diplomatic observers note that Kenya has occasionally engaged with Somaliland authorities on trade and security matters, particularly given the region’s strategic location. However, Nairobi has consistently maintained that such engagements do not amount to official diplomatic recognition.

The Ministry concluded its statement by underscoring Kenya’s commitment to peace and cooperation in the Horn of Africa, pledging continued collaboration with the Somali government in areas of mutual interest, including trade, security, and regional development.