President William Ruto on Friday, May 30, hosted Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) at State House, Nairobi, for high-level bilateral talks.
According to Somaliland government spokesperson Hussein Aden Igeh, the meeting focused on deepening cooperation between the two territories and advancing peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. Igeh described the talks as cordial and constructive.
“The two Heads of State engaged in a wide-ranging discussion on matters of mutual interest and regional significance,” Igeh said in a statement.
The leaders explored avenues to strengthen trade and investment, enhance economic development, and improve air connectivity between Kenya and Somaliland. They also discussed collaboration on regional security, particularly in combating violent extremism and supporting peacebuilding initiatives.
Education and institutional development were also on the agenda, with both leaders agreeing to expand vocational training and academic exchange programs for youth.
Igeh noted that the meeting reaffirmed the strong and longstanding relationship between Kenya and Somaliland—one grounded in shared values and a common vision for peace, stability, and prosperity across the region.
The meeting came a day after President Irro officially opened the Somaliland Liaison Office in Nairobi, an event attended by members of the international community and senior Kenyan leaders, including Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and Marsabit Senator Mohamed Said Chute.
However, the ceremony took place just two days after Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs announced its cancellation. In a statement issued on Monday, May 26, the ministry said the event had not received official clearance and would not be recognized as a diplomatic function.
“To the extent the event of the 27th May 2025 has not been granted approval from 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,” the ministry stated.
Despite the development, Kenya reaffirmed its diplomatic position, reiterating recognition of the Federal Republic of Somalia as a sovereign state.
