Kenya Halts Somaliland Office Opening in Nairobi, Reaffirms Support for Somalia’s Unity 

NAIROBI, Kenya - In a diplomatic move aimed at strengthening ties with Mogadishu, Kenya has blocked the planned inauguration of Somaliland’s liaison office in Nairobi, signaling a renewed commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, has long sought international recognition and maintains warm relations with Kenya. However, in a calculated effort to avoid straining bilateral relations with Somalia, Nairobi has opted to step back from the engagement.

In a statement released Monday — the second of the day — Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the May 27 event to open Somaliland’s liaison office had not received official approval and would not be permitted to proceed.

“The Ministry notes with concern that the planned event lacks formal authorization. The establishment of a diplomatic office does not have the approval of the Republic of Kenya and therefore cannot go forward,” the statement read.

Earlier, Kenya had reaffirmed its respect for Somalia’s territorial integrity, while justifying its engagement with Somalia’s federal member states, including Somaliland, which operates an autonomous government.

“To enhance cooperation, Kenya will maintain relations with sub-national entities such as Jubaland and Somaliland, in consultation with the federal government of Somalia and as mutually agreed upon,” the ministry noted.

Despite the diplomatic tension, Somaliland’s newly elected president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), arrived in Nairobi, where he was welcomed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Ali Joho — a signal that the visit had high-level awareness.

“The Somaliland diaspora in Kenya warmly welcomed President Irro, highlighting the strong bond between the leadership and its global community,” said Hussein Adan Igeh, a spokesperson for the Somaliland delegation. “This visit reflects efforts to deepen diplomatic engagement and foster regional cooperation.”

While it remains uncertain whether President Irro will meet Kenyan President William Ruto — given the sensitivity surrounding Somalia’s sovereignty, Irro has already met with Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh and visited the United Arab Emirates since taking office.

His predecessor, Muse Bihi Abdi, was received by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta during a 2020 visit, which triggered diplomatic tensions between Kenya and Somalia. It is still unclear whether President Ruto will follow a similar path.

GAROWE ONLINE