Marsabit senator Chute Mohamad addressing the congregation during historic commissioning of new Somaliland and Kenya relations. Photo: Senator Chute Mohamed.
In a historical event that sets to foster and strengthen diplomatic ties in the East Africa Community, the Republic of Somaliland officially opened its mission office on Nairobi on Thursday, May 30.
Chute known for his efforts to champion regional cooperation and economic development joined officials from Kenya and Somaliland to celebrate the historic milestone in Somaliland bilateral relations.
The event which was graced by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, saw the participation of Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Bii and senior Kenyan officials and international stakeholders.
The mission according to the proponent is not confined to diplomatic relations, but also seeks to foster trade, investment and mutual growth between the youngest African nation and Kenya, with sectors like livestock and miraa exports set to receive a major boost from the mission.
Somaliland has been an important economic partner of Kenya in agricultural trade. With the opening of the mission both leaders are hopeful that the new era of structured agreements, will make business programs easier.
The mission was welcomed by both Kenya and Somaliland officials during the commissioning, marking what many viewed as a growing recognition of Somaliland’s international outreach and it’s central role in regional stability and economic cooperation.
Despite a recent events that had shown cracks in the diplomatic relations of Kenya, after former Prime minister Raila Odinga missed to clinch the African Union Chairmanship (AUC), in February, and the recent deportation of Kenyans by the Republic of Tanzania, and rough online fights and exchange in Tanzanian parliament that further threatened the relationship between the two nations and the position of President William Ruto, as the EAC Chairperson.
The move of Kenya joining the Somaliland mission, seals and shows Kenya’s commitment to engage the region and beyond the continent, even as all eyes are on Kenya to push the next chapter and gain momentum with Somaliland.
