Kenya has cancelled the planned opening of a new Somaliland liaison office in Nairobi.
In an official notice dated Monday, May 26, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directed that the event that had been scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, be abandoned as it had not received necessary approval.
"The Ministry further notes with concern that to the extent the event of May 27 has not been approved by this Ministry, its investiture of the status of a Diplomatic Office does not enjoy the imprimatur of the Republic of Kenya and cannot be allowed to proceed," a statement issued on Monday evening read in part.
The Somaliland Liaison Office in Nairobi serves as Somaliland’s diplomatic representation in Kenya, facilitating trade, consular services, and political engagement. It operates like an Embassy, but since Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, it remains unrecognised internationally, meaning its diplomatic missions function as liaison offices rather than formal embassies.
The event was set to coincide with the visit of Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), who jetted into the country on Monday evening and was welcomed by Mining and Blue Economy CS Hassan Joho.
While Kenya notes that the inauguration was not approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Somaliland government revealed that it had sent representatives to Kenya to oversee preparations and facilitate early engagements.
''In advance of the delegation’s arrival, the President’s Special Envoy and Economic Advisor travelled to Nairobi to oversee preparatory arrangements and facilitate early engagements," read a statement by Hussein Adan Igeh, Spokesman for the President of the Republic of Somaliland.
The planned inauguration of the office in Nairobi was intended to upgrade its status, potentially signaling deeper diplomatic ties between Kenya and Somaliland.
Hours before the cancellation, Kenya had reaffirmed its recognition of the federal government of Somalia.
In the initial statement, Kenya said that it acknowledged Somali's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s federal administration out of respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity, and political independence of Somalia.
“Kenya unequivocally recognises the authority of the Federal Government in Mogadishu as the sole and legitimate body responsible for administering the affairs of Somalia, including those of its regions,” read the statement in part.
Despite the halting, Kenya has maintained relations with Somaliland for trade and security cooperation, it reiterated that the Liaison Office does not hold formal diplomatic status.
''The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Liaison Office of Somaliland in Nairobi the assurances of its highest consideration,'' the statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded.
Somaliland's President is in Kenya for a multi-day visit reflecting Somaliland’s enduring commitment to regional diplomacy, international engagement, and the pursuit of strategic partnerships that advance the nation’s development objectives and global standing.
