Since assuming his diplomatic role in December 2023, Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, has made significant strides in strengthening relations between Mogadishu and Nairobi.
After presenting his credentials to President William Ruto at the State House, he immediately took on his ambassadorial duties. A year later, tangible progress indicates that a previously strained relationship is improving.
Speaking in Nairobi ahead of the February 26-28 Somalia-Kenya Trade Week 2025—hosted in partnership with Nation Media Group (NMG) at Business Bay Square Mall (BBS Mall) in Eastleigh—Ambassador Abdulle emphasized the event’s role in uniting businesses, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from both countries. The gathering aims to explore trade opportunities, foster partnerships, and showcase a diverse range of products and services.
A former presidential candidate, Abdulle brings political expertise and an in-depth understanding of Kenya’s diplomatic landscape to his role.
The Trade Week follows Somalia’s recent admission to the East African Community (EAC), and the ambassador is keen to ensure Somalia capitalizes on the economic benefits of trading within the eight-country bloc, which includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
One of Ambassador Abdulle’s top priorities is maintaining strong relations between Somalia and Kenya. While acknowledging past challenges, he sees Somalia’s EAC entry as an opportunity for enhanced cooperation.
“Somalia’s admission to the EAC has already created business opportunities for both our countries,” he stated.
Efforts are underway to reopen the border between Somalia and Kenya, facilitating trade growth and providing economic benefits to border communities. However, Ambassador Abdulle stressed the need for continued vigilance to counter militant threats.
Somalia boasts abundant natural resources, including oil, gas, and fisheries, alongside a strategic location and a youthful population. The country holds immense potential in agriculture, renewable energy, telecommunications, and tourism.
“I want to create opportunities for Somali students to study at Kenyan higher education institutions,” said Ambassador Abdulle. He also aims to integrate Somali professionals into sectors like construction and hospitality, where Somalia has limited expertise.
“Somali businesspeople have heavily invested in Kenya’s construction industry, real estate, commodities trade, and hospitality. Their experiences can be replicated in Somalia,” he noted.
In just two months on the job, the ambassador has secured key diplomatic wins. Kenya Airways recently resumed flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu, a move expected to boost trade and cooperation between the two nations.
With thousands of Kenyans working in Somalia, the ambassador envisions deeper bilateral ties. “Currently, over 40,000 Kenyans work in Somalia, mostly in education, healthcare, and hospitality. That number is expected to grow due to Somalia’s relative stability,” he said.
Kenyan expatriates in Somalia send home an estimated $300 million annually.
Ambassador Abdulle also revealed that the Somali government plans to open passport application centers in counties like Mombasa to streamline the process for Somali citizens. He hopes to facilitate smoother travel and trade between the two countries through initiatives like one-stop border points, free visas, and unrestricted movement.
Looking ahead, Abdulle is optimistic about new investments, including the establishment of high-end hotels in Somalia, with skilled Kenyans playing a crucial role in the hospitality sector’s growth. He anticipates the number of Kenyan workers in Somalia could reach 100,000 within five years, driven by Somalia’s EAC membership.
Somalia has also removed several investment barriers, allowing foreign investors to fully own their businesses, repatriate capital, and enjoy legal protections.
Despite Somalia’s socio-economic and political challenges, the ambassador emphasized that the country is now focused on attracting foreign direct investment while strengthening local business frameworks.
While insecurity remains a concern, Kenya and Somalia have maintained strong trade relations. Somalia is currently Kenya’s fifth-largest African trading partner, following Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Egypt, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite past diplomatic tensions, Ambassador Abdulle commended Kenya’s recent policy shifts toward reconciliation and collaboration.
Regarded as one of Kenya’s most active and visible diplomats, Abdulle has played a pivotal role in deepening Somalia-Kenya relations. Leveraging his deep understanding of Kenya’s history and strong connections within its political and business communities, he is fostering diplomatic and economic cooperation.
“It’s a privilege to represent Somalia in Kenya, where our two nations share historical, cultural, and ethnic bonds. We are joined not only at the hip but also at the heart,” he affirmed.
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Sources: NATION | By Hilary Kimuyu
