Kenya has pledged to support Somalia in strengthening its legislative institutions through a comprehensive capacity-building initiative aimed at enhancing the skills of Somali parliamentary staff. The commitment was made by Kenya’s National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula following a courtesy visit by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle.
During the meeting, Ambassador Abdulle delivered a goodwill message from the Speaker of Somalia’s Lower House, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobe), and appealed for Kenya’s support in developing Somalia’s parliamentary capabilities. In response, Speaker Wetang’ula affirmed Kenya’s readiness to facilitate training through Kenyan parliamentary institutions and benchmarking programs.
“Kenya is ready to facilitate the training of Somali parliamentary staff through our institutions and benchmarking programs,” Wetang’ula said. “We will also attach Somali personnel to various committees within the Kenyan National Assembly for hands-on experience.”
The initiative seeks to expose Somali staff to effective legislative processes and governance practices, thereby fostering professionalism and institutional effectiveness within Somalia’s legislature.
As part of efforts to enhance bilateral relations, Speaker Wetang’ula also welcomed the proposal to establish a Kenya–Somalia Parliamentary Friendship Group. The group is expected to serve as a platform for continuous dialogue, collaboration, and promotion of mutual interests between the two parliaments.
“This Friendship Group is a critical instrument in fostering closer ties and deepening our diplomatic engagement,” Wetang’ula noted.
Additionally, Wetang’ula reiterated Kenya’s support for Somalia’s bid to join the East African Community (EAC), highlighting the importance of regional integration for peace, stability, and economic growth in the Horn of Africa.
“Somalia’s integration into the EAC will bolster collective development,” he stated, emphasizing the need for Somalia to maintain peace, national unity, and territorial integrity.
The Speaker also underscored the shared economic potential of Kenya and Somalia, particularly in the blue economy and energy sectors, urging both countries to explore opportunities for collaboration in these areas.
This initiative is a significant step toward deepening Kenya–Somalia relations and promoting regional stability through parliamentary diplomacy.
