Kenya reaffirms One-China policy, bars Taiwan delegates

Kenya has reaffirmed its adherence to the One-China policy, with the government stating that it does not recognise Taiwan as a separate sovereign state within its diplomatic and immigration frameworks.

Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’Oei said Kenya’s position remains firmly aligned with the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China.

His remarks came after reports that Taiwanese scientists were denied entry into Kenya ahead of the Our Ocean Conference 2026, which is currently underway in Mombasa.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs on Wednesday evening, Dr Sing’Oei said Kenya’s border control systems are guided by its established foreign policy position.

“Any person purporting to hold a Taiwanese passport would ordinarily not be allowed through our borders for lacking proper documentation,” he said.

He further noted that any approval that may have been issued through the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system would amount to an administrative error rather than a shift in government policy.

“If, by dint of eTA, authorisation has been issued, it represents a system error on this subject. In any event, such a passport holder would not be part of a formal state meeting convened by the Kenyan government,” he added.

Kenya has consistently maintained the One-China policy, under which it recognises the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate government of China and considers Taiwan an integral part of Chinese territory.

The country has repeatedly opposed Taiwan’s participation in major international forums and supports Beijing’s position on reunification.

The clarification comes amid ongoing global debate over Taiwan’s participation in multilateral engagements.

In recent weeks, Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organisation’s annual assembly was also blocked after member states rejected a proposal to extend an invitation.