Presidents Abdirahman, Ruto meet at State House for trade, security and youth empowerment talks
The visit by President Abdirahman was marked by a renewed push for stronger ties between the two sides, despite diplomatic complications over the status of Somaliland’s representation in Kenya.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi on Thursday met President William Ruto in Nairobi for wide-ranging talks on trade, regional peace, and youth empowerment, as part of his official visit to Kenya.
The two leaders discussed ways to deepen economic cooperation, including the promotion of trade, investment, and improved air connectivity between Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia, and Kenya.
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Hussein Aden Igeh (Deyr), spokesman for the President of Somaliland, in a statement on Friday, revealed that the two leaders also agreed to work closely on enhancing regional peace and security, especially in efforts to counter violent extremism in the Horn of Africa.
The talks also focused on expanding opportunities in education and training for youth. The leaders emphasised academic exchanges and strengthening public institutions through capacity-building and vocational training.
“The meeting reaffirmed the strong and longstanding relationship between Somaliland and Kenya — a partnership anchored in mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for peace, stability, and prosperity across the region,” the statement read.
The visit by President Abdirahman was marked by a renewed push for stronger ties between the two sides, despite diplomatic complications over the status of Somaliland’s representation in Kenya.
On the same day, Somaliland opened a Mission office in Nairobi, a move Kenya said it had not endorsed.
In a statement released on Thursday evening, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs reaffirmed that Kenya recognises only the Federal Government of Somalia as the legitimate authority over Somali territories.
“The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs wishes to reiterate that the Government of the Republic of Kenya maintains and respectfully reaffirms its unwavering recognition of the Federal Republic of Somalia as a sovereign State,” the ministry said.
While Kenya had earlier rejected any upgrade of a liaison office to a diplomatic mission, the opening ceremony went ahead and was attended by local leaders, including Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and Marsabit Senator Mohamed Said Chute, who expressed support for Somaliland’s engagement.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and runs its own government, currency, and security forces. However, it remains unrecognised by the United Nations and many countries.
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