Eastleigh Business District Association hosts Somalia PM Hamza Abdi

The Eastleigh Business District Association (EBDA) hosts a welcoming ceremony for Hamza Abdi Barre, the Prime Minister of Somalia, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. (Photo: Amb. Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle)

By Abdirahman Khalif
May 09, 2024 | 01:54 PM

"As you know, Somalis are great goal scorers when it comes to business creation in East African countries," said Hamza.

The Eastleigh Business District Association (EBDA) hosted a welcoming ceremony for Hamza Abdi Barre, the Prime Minister of Somalia, in an event attended by several top dignitaries.

Among those present were Somalia's ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, Members of Parliament from Kenya and Somalia, high-ranking officials from EBDA and Somali Ministers.

The event aimed to strengthen the ties between the people of Kenya and Somalia and enhance the flourishing diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre lauded EBDA for organising the event and appreciated Kenya for aiding his country in combating the Al Shabaab rebel group.

PM Hamza emphasised his government's commitment to enhancing diplomatic ties with Kenya and neighbouring countries. He praised the entrepreneurial prowess of Somalis, citing their success in establishing thriving businesses across East Africa.

"As you know, Somalis are great goal scorers when it comes to business creation in East African countries," said Hamza as he pledged to strengthen relations between Kenya and Somalia.

Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan called on stage several Kenyan Members of Parliament who highlighted the positive relationship between the two countries and advocated for open borders, especially with Somalia being a member of the East African Community (EAC).

Somalia PM Hamza Abdi Barre (centre), Somalia Ambassador to Kenya Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle (second right), Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan and Eastleigh Business District Association (EBDA) top leaders at a welcoming ceremony held for the PM in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. (Photo: Amb. Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle)

Conversely, Somalia's Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, commended the unity among the people of Nairobi, noting that their cohesion eases his diplomatic mission.

"I found people who are united, people who were working together and it has made my work easier," said the ambassador.

In his remarks, Ahmed Abdullahi, the Chairman of EBDA, expressed gratitude for the honour of welcoming the Prime Minister, emphasising that his visit underscored the strong bond between Kenya and Somalia.

Chairman Ahmed affirmed Eastleigh's readiness to collaborate with the Somali government to bolster business, investment, and development initiatives in the neighbouring country.

"Eastleigh is ready to work with your government to boost business, investment, and the development of Somalia," said the chairman.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre arrived in Nairobi on Monday and held bilateral talks with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Karen.

DP Gachagua said that Kenya-Somalia relations are growing from strength to strength, adding, "As we restructure and align our architectural frameworks to buttress and enhance socio-economic development for the people of both nations, we stand at a special moment of working together in peace and security in the region."

PM Hamza responded by saying Kenya and Somalia enjoy deep-rooted ties that are mutually beneficial to the two nations.