In a significant move to bolster trade and relations between Kenya and Somalia, Somali Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, has urged for the simplification of the visa processing system in Kenya. The ambassador’s remarks came during the celebrated re-launch of Kenya Airways’ direct flights to Mogadishu from Nairobi on Thursday.
The direct passenger and cargo flights mark a new chapter in the bilateral ties between the two nations, promising to enhance the movement of goods and people. Ambassador Abdulle emphasized the potential increase in trade that the resumption of flights could bring, highlighting the importance of an efficient visa process to facilitate this growth.
Kenya Airways’ decision to restart the Mogadishu route comes after a four-year hiatus, initially caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and further strained by diplomatic tensions. With the inauguration of three weekly flights to Somalia’s capital, there is optimism for an uptick in commercial and personal exchanges between the countries. Kenya Airways also hinted at plans to expand the flight frequency, indicating a positive outlook for the future of this air link.
The resumption of flights is seen as a crucial step towards strengthening the economic and social bonds between Kenya and Somalia, with both nations standing to gain from increased trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
