MOMBASA — Kenyan authorities have denied entry to at least two Taiwanese delegates who had traveled to the coastal city of Mombasa to participate in the international Our Ocean Conference 2026, reigniting tensions over Taiwan’s international status and China’s influence in global diplomacy.
According to Taiwan’s government, the delegates were detained by Kenyan immigration officials upon arrival, had their passports and mobile phones confiscated, and were held for more than 20 hours before being ordered to leave the country and return to Taiwan. The incident prompted the withdrawal of the remaining Taiwanese delegation from the conference.
The delegates had intended to attend the Our Ocean Conference, a major international gathering that brings together governments, scientists, environmental organizations, and civil society groups to discuss marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and ocean protection. Kenya is hosting the event for the first time on African soil.
Kenya defended its decision, with Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei stating that Kenya recognizes only one China and does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. He said individuals traveling on Taiwanese passports would not ordinarily be admitted for official state events organized by the Kenyan government.
Taiwan strongly condemned the move, accusing Kenya of bowing to pressure from Beijing and misapplying the “One China” policy. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung described the action as an unjustified expansion of the policy and lodged a formal protest against Nairobi.
China welcomed Kenya’s decision, reiterating that the “One China” principle is a fundamental norm of international relations and praising Nairobi for adhering to it. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes any official international recognition of the self-governed island.
The latest dispute comes amid increasing diplomatic pressure on Taiwan worldwide. Taipei has repeatedly accused China of using its economic and political influence to limit Taiwan’s participation in international meetings and organizations.
The development also follows similar measures taken elsewhere in the region. Somalia announced last year that travelers using Taiwanese passports would not be permitted to enter through its borders, reflecting its support for the One China policy. Taiwan, meanwhile, maintains unofficial relations with the self-declared Republic of Somaliland in northwestern Somalia, a move that has drawn criticism from both Mogadishu and Beijing.
Taiwan operates as a self-governing democracy with its own government, military, currency, and passport, but it is recognized diplomatically by only a small number of countries. Most nations, including Kenya, officially recognize the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China under the One China policy.
