Kenya–Somalia relations have entered a tense phase marked by a three-month flight ban announced by Nairobi, citing insecurity. The move follows an unconvincing Qatar-brokered truce that lacked serious negotiations on unresolved disputes. A key flashpoint is Somalia’s letter opposing AU envoy John Mahama, accused of being too close to Kenya. Another major issue is the qat trade: while Somalia maintains a ban on Kenyan qat imports, it quietly allows shipments from Ethiopia, fueling Kenyan accusations of double standards. For Nairobi, this is not only a trade dispute but also a political concern, especially in Meru County, a stronghold of Kenya’s ruling alliance and home to many miraa farmers. Beyond the qat row, maritime disputes and tensions in the Gedo region continue to strain ties. Both governments appear to see limited downside in maintaining the standoff: Kenya aims to deny President Farmaajo political gains in his final months, while Villa Somalia leverages nationalist rhetoric to bolster domestic support.