Kenya to support Somali Parliamentary Staff in capacity building, Wetang’ula says

Kenya’s National Assembly has pledged to strengthen parliamentary ties with Somalia through a comprehensive capacity-building program aimed at training Somali parliamentary staff.

The initiative marks a significant step in enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

The announcement was made by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula following a courtesy call by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle.

The envoy had visited the Speaker to deliver a message of goodwill from the Speaker of Somalia’s Lower House, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobe).

In response to Speaker Madobe’s request, Speaker Wetang’ula affirmed Kenya’s commitment to support Somalia’s legislative growth and development.

“Kenya is ready to facilitate the training of Somali parliamentary staff through our institutions and benchmarking programs,” Wetang’ula stated.

And added: “We will also attach Somali personnel to various committees within the Kenyan National Assembly for hands-on experience.”

The initiative is designed to enhance the effectiveness and professionalism of Somalia’s parliamentary workforce by exposing them to practical governance models and legislative processes in Kenya.

Additionally, Speaker Wetang’ula welcomed the proposal to establish a Kenya–Somalia Parliamentary Friendship Group, a platform that will promote sustained inter-parliamentary dialogue and mutual interests.

“This Friendship Group is a critical instrument in fostering closer ties and deepening our diplomatic engagement,” he said.

Reaffirming his support for Somalia’s bid to join the East African Community (EAC), the Speaker emphasized the importance of regional integration in advancing peace, stability and economic prosperity across East Africa.

“Somalia’s integration into the EAC will bolster collective development,” Wetang’ula noted.

He encouraged Somalia to uphold peace, national unity and territorial integrity, which he described as essential pillars for sustainable development and regional harmony.

The Speaker also pointed to the shared economic potential of Kenya and Somalia, particularly in the blue economy and energy sectors.

“We have vast opportunities in offshore oil and gas and the blue economy,” he said adding that: “Tapping into these resources collaboratively will benefit our people and strengthen the East African region as a whole.”

The Ambassador said Somalia was relying on Kenya for peace and stability.

“Kenya has functioning systems because of the stability it has enjoyed for long. We are looking forward to your support too,” he added.

He noted that Somali had hired services of many Kenyans in Mogadishu especially in the hotel industry.

“Most of the hotels in Mogadishu have either managers or other employees from Kenya who are supporting the growth of the sector,” he explained.