Kenya to ease travel restrictions for Somalis, direct flights in consideration

Travel restrictions between Kenya and Somalia could soon be eased if proposals by joint parliamentary committees in the two countries are implemented.

In a joint communiqué’, Defence and Foreign Relations Parliamentary Committees of Somalia and Kenya said the Kenyan Parliamentary Committee would recommend review of the existing procedures between Mogadishu and Nairobi including the issue of traveling through Wajir.

The lawmakers also agreed on recommendations to the Kenyan National Assembly to develop structured procedures on how Kenya treats Somali dignitaries, leaders and citizens at large with their families while in Kenya.

Kenya and Somalia had a diplomatic spat last year when a Somali consular staff was arrested in Nairobi. Mogadishu was furious how Kenya handled the matter claiming the staffer had diplomatic immunity.

Somali nationals travelling to Kenya fall under category 3 on immigration procedure which means they require referred visas. Unlike their Kenyan counterparts who can easily get a visa in Mogadishu with ease, Somalis have to undergo rigorous verification, a process that can last for close to a month before getting the visa.

The two committees, which have been in Mogadishu for the last two days have also hinted at a possibility of direct flights by Kenya Airways to Mogadishu, a move which is likely to open up and boost trade between the two countries.

Trade between the two countries is grossly imbalanced with Kenya’s import from Somalia almost negligible while Somalia on the other end imports trade goods and the popular leaf, khat from Kenya.

The committees also agreed on recommendations to the Kenyan Parliament to appropriate funds to support rebuild Somalia in areas such as governance, civil service, electoral and judicial reforms. Kenya, the committees said should endevour to undertake diplomatic support to encourage regional and international organisations to support and establish their presence in Somalia.