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The Republic of Somaliland officially opened its Mission office in Nairobi, Kenya, on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The inauguration ceremony was led by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, also known as Irro.
The event brought together senior Kenyan government officials, diplomats, and members of the international community. Among the notable Kenyan leaders present were Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and Marsabit Senator Mohamed Said Chute.
The newly launched Mission office will act as Somaliland’s main representation in Kenya. Its key functions will include promoting trade and investment, offering consular services, engaging politically, and supporting the Somaliland community living in Kenya.
This opening came just two days after a separate plan to launch a Liaison Office in Nairobi was stopped by the Kenyan government. Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying that the Liaison Office could not be upgraded to a diplomatic mission. The Ministry explained that Kenya still recognizes the Federal Government of Somalia as the only legitimate authority over all Somali territory, including Somaliland.
The statement from Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, released on Monday, May 27, said, “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 support of the Republic of Kenya and cannot be allowed to proceed.”
Despite this decision, Somaliland went ahead and launched its Mission office two days later. Somaliland leaders and supporters have called the inauguration a major step in strengthening their diplomatic presence in the East African region.
The opening of this office may have political consequences for Kenya. By allowing Somaliland to launch the Mission, even informally, Kenya could be seen as challenging Somalia’s sovereignty. This could strain the diplomatic relationship between Nairobi and Mogadishu.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but it is not officially recognized by the international community. However, it has its own government, military, and currency, and it runs its affairs independently from Somalia.
Kenya, while officially recognizing the Somali government, also maintains trade relations with Somaliland. Somaliland is an important trade partner, especially in the livestock and miraa (khat) sectors. The new mission office in Nairobi is expected to help facilitate business deals and improve economic cooperation between the two sides.
Supporters of Somaliland believe that opening the Mission office in Nairobi is a positive development. They argue it will boost diplomatic engagement, provide better services to Somaliland citizens in Kenya, and open up more trade and investment opportunities.
At the same time, experts warn that this move could lead to tensions between Kenya and Somalia, especially if it is seen as an attempt to give Somaliland diplomatic recognition. Somalia has consistently opposed any efforts by Somaliland to be treated as an independent country.
For now, the Somaliland Mission office in Nairobi will operate as a representation office, not an official embassy. Its goal is to strengthen ties with Kenya in practical areas like trade, travel, and community support, even if political recognition remains a sensitive issue.
The situation remains delicate, and how Kenya manages its relations with both Somaliland and Somalia in the coming weeks will be closely watched by regional and international observers.