Somalia, Kenya Agree on Closer Parliamentary Cooperation
Somalia’s Parliament Speaker, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur, met his Kenyan counterpart Moses Wetang’ula in Nairobi to discuss ways to strengthen parliamentary cooperation. The leaders explored the creation of a friendship committee, experience-sharing programs for lawmakers, and closer legislative coordination. The meeting also included condolences over the late Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga and an invitation for Kenya to attend the EAC Parliamentary Speakers’ meeting hosted by Somalia in May 2026.
The Speaker of the House of the People of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur, known as Madoobe, on Tuesday met with his Kenyan counterpart, Moses M. Wetang’ula, in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. The meeting comes as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen parliamentary relations and enhance cooperation between the two countries.
During the discussions, Speaker Wetang’ula extended his congratulations to Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur on his election as the Chairperson of the Speakers of Parliament of the East African Community. He also praised Somalia for its active participation in electing members to the East African Community Parliamentary Assembly and acknowledged the country’s growing role in regional legislative affairs.
Speaker Madobe took the opportunity to offer condolences over the passing of Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga in October this year in India, expressing solidarity with the Kenyan people and leadership. He further extended an official invitation to his Kenyan counterpart to attend the upcoming meeting of EAC Parliamentary Speakers, which Somalia will host in May 2026.
The two leaders also discussed mechanisms to strengthen collaboration between the parliaments of Somalia and Kenya. They agreed on the importance of establishing a parliamentary friendship committee to promote mutual understanding and cooperation, creating platforms for experience-sharing programs for legislators, and enhancing overall legislative coordination and support between the two nations.
The meeting was attended by senior Somali officials, including the Secretary-General of the House of the People, Abdiraxmaan Mohamed Abdulle, also known as Jabiri, Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jibriil Ibraahim Abdulle, and the Director-General of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Yuusuf Hassan The presence of these officials underscored the importance Somalia places on fostering strong parliamentary relations and regional cooperation.
Analysts have described the meeting as a demonstration of Somalia’s commitment to deepening regional partnerships and leveraging parliamentary diplomacy as a tool for advancing integration within the East African Community. Observers note that the discussions reflect a broader strategy to strengthen legislative collaboration, share expertise among lawmakers, and build frameworks for sustainable and cooperative governance in the region.
The meeting between the Somali and Kenyan parliamentary leaders is expected to pave the way for closer engagement in legislative initiatives, mutual support on regional matters, and enhanced dialogue between the two countries’ lawmakers. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular communication and joint programs aimed at promoting democratic governance, good legislative practices, and regional stability.
