President Kenyatta bids farewell to Somali Ambassador; proposes opening a “one-border post” between the two countries

Kenyan President Uluru Kenyatta bid farewell to outgoing Somali Ambassador Gamal Hassan in Nairobi on Tuesday, adding that he looks forward to opening a one-border post between the two neighbouring east African countries.

“I look forward to opening one-border post either at Liboi or Mandera. This will encourage our citizens to conduct legal trade.”

President Kenyatta said the single border post will make it easier for Kenyan and Somali’s to do business with one another across the border.

“We need to work together to formalise the cross-border movement of our people,” adding that the State House will work closely with Villa Somalia on the project.

The Kenyan President also expressed keen interest in working with his Somali counterpart on battling terrorism inside Somalia saying “Somalia’s problem is our also our problem.”

Both Kenya and Somalia have suffered from terrorism attacks at the hands of Al-Shabaab militants. The militant group is currently waging a ‘holy war’ against the Somali government. Kenyan troops make up a large contingent of the African Union soldiers fighting against Al-Shabaab in Somalia

“I want to assure President Mohamed that he has a friend here. I like his approach of prioritising security.”

He made these comments at a farewell ceremony for Somali Ambassador Gamal Hassan who has been appointed the Minister of Planning, Investment and Economic Development in Somalia.

Ambassador Hassan thanked Kenya and President Kenyatta for hosting him during his tenure.