Somaliland ambassador to Kenya pushes for direct flights between Nairobi and Hargeisa

The Somaliland ambassador to Kenya Dr Mohamed Ahmed Mohamud has asked the Kenya government to introduce direct Kenya Airways flights between Nairobi and Hargeisa to boost trade and human movement between the two countries.

Dr Mohamud spoke on Tuesday (December 5, 2023) when he paid a courtesy call to the Speaker of the Senate Amason Kingi at the parliament buildings.

He said direct flights between Nairobi and Somaliland capital will spur development and trade in the two countries.

“Kenya stands to benefit from these direct flights as its exports will find a ready market in Somaliland. We need the Senate to support this noble intention. Somaliland also has numerous opportunities for teachers, doctors, engineers and other professionals whose services are greatly needed in our country,” said the ambassador.

Senate speaker said the meeting deliberated on the need to enhance trade between the two countries.

“We deliberated on the need to enhance trade between Kenya and Somaliland by facilitating easy movement of people and commodities between the two countries, which can be greatly bolstered by allowing direct flights between Nairobi and Hargeisa,” he said, promising to take up the matter with the relevant arms of government.

“We explored new avenues for collaboration and partnerships between our governments and their various institutions, including parliaments of the two countries,” Kingi said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday. 

“These relations have in recent decades been deepened and strengthened through bilateral engagements that have yielded great benefits to the citizens.”