Duale reaffirms Kenya’s recognition of Somalia days after Somaliland gambit
By Lutta Njomo, June 28, 2025Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, on Saturday, June 28, 2025, reaffirmed Kenya’s recognition of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Speaking during their 65th Independence Day anniversary in Nairobi, hosted by Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Abdulle, Duale insisted that Kenya fully supports the neighbouring country and is keen to protect its sovereignty.
He also assured Mogadishu that Kenya was determined to ensure peace was fully restored within its borders.
“Kenya commends Somalia’s dedication to regional peace and stability, particularly its transition roadmap from ATMIS to AUSSOM. We fully recognise the Federal Republic of Somalia and support all initiatives to maintain regional peace through diplomacy and multilateral cooperation,” Duale’s statement read in part.
Wooing them further
The Health CS further wooed the East African nation by expressing Nairobi’s readiness to continue deepening ties in various sectors, insisting that the two nations are in a symbiotic relationship.
“As Somalia celebrates this milestone, I expressed Kenya’s readiness to collaborate on developing Blue Economy initiatives, enhancing people-to-people relations, and jointly championing peace, climate action, and sustainable development at both regional and international levels,” Duale’s statement read in part.
“I also highlighted Somalia’s strategic importance at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East, boasting the longest coastline in Africa. Kenya and Somalia share a historic relationship characterised by mutual respect, shared heritage, and strong people-to-people connections.”
Duale attended the event with President William Ruto’s blessing and was accompanied by some top officials from the Kenya Kwanza administration, including Gender Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Singoei, and Principal Secretary at the State Department for Culture Ummi Bashir, among others.
Somaliland inroads
Kenya’s assurance to Somalia comes a month after Somaliland’s gambit. Somaliland opened a diplomatic liaison office in Nairobi despite a public rejection from Kenya‘s foreign ministry just days earlier.
Leading a delegation from Somaliland, President Abdirahman Mohamed ‘Irro’ Abdullahi hailed the May 30, 2025, opening as “an embassy for our people and interests in the region.”
The Somaliland president later met Ruto, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Before the visit, Somaliland had requested Kenya to recognise its sovereignty.