Kenya has reaffirmed her unwavering respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Somalia, even as it maintains diplomatic and commercial engagements with Somalia’s sub-national regions - Jubaland and Somaliland.
In a statement on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs underscored Kenya's recognition of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in Mogadishu as “the sole and legitimate body responsible for administering the affairs of Somalia, including those pertaining to its regions.”
The reaffirmation is significant given the historical tensions between Nairobi and Mogadishu over issues such as border security, maritime boundaries and the status of Somalia’s federal member states.
Tension has particularly arisen over the maritime boundary dispute, which was adjudicated by the International Court of Justice in 2021, and over Kenya’s role in supporting regional administrations within Somalia.
Kenya’s engagement with Jubaland, a semi-autonomous region bordering Kenya, and Somaliland, a self-declared independent republic in northern Somalia, has occasionally drawn criticism from Mogadishu, which views such contacts as infringing on Somalia’s sovereignty.
The ministry, however, said Kenya is “firmly grounded in adherence to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, the Treaty and Protocols of the East African Community as well as Kenya’s Foreign Policy.”
These instruments, the ministry notesd, “uphold the values of non-interference in the internal affairs of States and the peaceful resolution of disputes”.
The statement highlighted the longstanding relationship between Kenya and Somalia, describing it as “anchored on deep historical ties, shared cultural heritage, and enduring bonds of kinship.”
These foundations, it said, “continue to inform our collective aspirations for peace, security, and sustainable development in the region.”
In regarding Somalia as a strategic ally in advancing their shared objectives, Kenya reaffirmed her commitment to fostering bilateral relations “based on mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, and recognition of territorial integrity”.
Support for Somalia’s state-building agenda
As Somalia continues its state-building journey, the Foreign Affairs Ministry emphasised Kenya’s role as a neighbour, partner and regional power will remain crucial.
Kenya’s support to Somalia has included development aid, training, and diplomatic backing for Somalia’s federal institutions.
Besides, the country hosts a large Somali diaspora and has played a pivotal role in regional security, including contributing troops to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), formerly AMISOM, to combat al-Shabaab militants.
However, Nairobi’s contacts with Jubaland and Somaliland have sometimes been a source of friction.
Jubaland’s leader, Ahmed Madobe, has enjoyed close ties with Kenyan authorities, while Somaliland, though not internationally recognised, has sought to expand its diplomatic footprint in East Africa.
Kenya, however, sought to reaffirm its committment to supporting Somalia's sovereignty.
“As Somalia continues to advance its state-building and institutional development agenda, the Government of Kenya stands ready to support these efforts through sustained dialogue, enhanced regional cooperation, and mutually beneficial partnerships,” the statement reads.
Continued engagement with Jubaland, Somaliland
The statement, however, added that Kenya will maintain contact and relations with sub-national governments in Jubaland and Somaliland to advance the partnership.
It statement said such engagement will be done in consultation with the Federal Government of Somalia “in line with the principles of mutual respect and good neighbourliness”.
The aim? "To establish contact and as well as diplomatic presence as may be agreed from time to time with the aim of supporting security cooperation and commercial interests and in line with the principles of mutual respect and good neighbourliness,” the ministry stated.
This nuanced approach reflects Kenya’s balancing act: supporting Somalia’s federal government while engaging with influential regional administrations to address security, trade, and humanitarian concerns.
The ministry concluded its statement by reaffirming Kenya’s readiness to “support these efforts through sustained dialogue, enhanced regional cooperation, and mutually beneficial partnerships”.
