File Photo/Somali Times
Kenya’s publicized policy of visa-free travel for Africans has created diplomatic tensions in the Horn of Africa, after it became clear that Somalia was excluded from the scheme.
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The move, which Nairobi described as part of a broader plan to open Kenya’s borders to Africans to boost tourism and investment, has instead exposed a deep geopolitical divide with its eastern neighbour.
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Kenya’s Ministry of Home Affairs, citing “existing security challenges and instability,” said Somali citizens would still need to apply for regular visas, even as the rest of the continent would be granted access through a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.
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For Somali citizens, the policy amounts to a diplomatic blow—with economic and social consequences.
The irony of this was not unnoticed. Somalia and Kenya are officially working together in the fight against Al-Shabab, with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) deployed inside Somalia as part of the African Union Transitional Military Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Both countries have made significant contributions in terms of human and financial resources to mitigate the threat of terrorism. However, Kenya has singled out Somalia as a country of risk.
“This is not about security, it is about politics,” said a Somali diplomat who asked not to be named. “We have worked together to combat terrorism, but Somalia has been left out, while other countries with internal problems are still benefiting from the ETA scheme. What does that tell us?”
In fact, other countries with conflict and instability such as Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic are still allowed to benefit from Kenya’s visa facilitation scheme. This has raised serious questions about whether Somalia has been unfairly blamed, given the progress made in security and governance in recent years.
The maritime row
The visa denial decision comes at a time when relations between the two countries are at a critical juncture. In 2021, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in Somalia’s maritime dispute with Kenya, largely in Somalia’s favor. Kenya has rejected the ruling outright, further fueling tensions.
Although the two countries have since restored diplomatic relations, trust remains fragile. This latest incident risks reigniting tensions at a time when regional cooperation is crucial—especially as Somalia prepares to reduce its ATMIS forces and seeks to re-integrate into regional economies, including by joining the East African Community (EAC).
Kenya is one of Somalia’s largest trading partners, with goods, services and people flowing across the border. The khat (miraa) trade, worth millions of dollars each year, is vital to Kenyan farmers and Somali businesspeople. Nairobi is also home to tens of thousands of Somalis – students, medical patients and businesspeople – many of whom live in the Eastleigh area.
For this community, the visa decision is not just symbolic – it directly affects their lives and livelihoods.
“We have agreements that allow for free movement, but now we are being treated like foreigners,” said a Somali businessman working in Eastleigh. “This is hurting our business, it is hurting our reputation.”
Education, medical travel and trade supply chains will be severely affected, especially for Somalis who travel to Kenya regularly for education, health and business purposes.
Silence in Mogadishu
So far, the Somalia federal government has not issued any official statement condemning or even questioning Kenya’s decision. The silence has caused confusion and anger within the community.
Some political analysts believe the silence is strategic – part of a diplomatic effort to resolve the issue quietly. However, the absence of visible leadership has created a vacuum in public debate, leading to criticism that the government is not protecting its citizens or upholding national dignity.
“There is a risk that silence will be interpreted as weakness. “If Somalia does not react, it could pave the way for similar decisions to be made again.”
To respond effectively, Somalia must balance diplomacy with assertiveness. Strategic options on the table include:
1. Direct diplomatic pressure: Somalia should urgently seek high-level dialogue with Kenya, formally complaining about the visa waiver policy and requesting a clear timetable for Somalia’s inclusion in the scheme. These discussions should focus on security cooperation and the negative impact this has on trade and people-to-people relations on both sides.
2. Halting khat: As Somalia is a major market for Kenyan khat exports, the Mogadishu government could consider temporarily suspending such exports – to show its displeasure and to put pressure on Kenyan farmers and traders who depend on this market.
3. Tightening work visas for Kenyans: Thousands of Kenyans work in Somalia, particularly in telecommunications, education, hospitality and aid agencies. The Somali government could increase restrictions or fees on work visas for Kenyans – similar to the current restrictions imposed on Somalis. While this move requires caution to avoid harming the interests of both countries, it does show that Somalia is prepared to take action if it is perceived to be discriminated against.
Time to step aside
While Kenya’s visa policy may be based on domestic security and political considerations, its regional implications are undeniable. Somalia sees this not just as a matter of immigration – it sees it as a matter of dignity, sovereignty and equality within the African community.
The challenge now facing Mogadishu is how to turn public anger into a strategic opportunity: to sustain its development, expand its partnerships, and make its voice heard more clearly and forcefully.
If Somalia remains silent, others will dominate its role in the region. But if Somalia speaks out and takes action, these difficult times could be not just a setback – but a historic turning point.