Somalia’s Lower House Speaker Holds Key Meeting with Kenyan Counterpart in Nairobi

 

NAIROBI, Kenya — Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Madoobe), Speaker of the House of the People of Somalia, recently met with his Kenyan counterpart, Moses M. Wetang’ula, in Nairobi. The meeting, held on Tuesday, focused on strengthening regional parliamentary cooperation and enhancing bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries.

During the meeting, Speaker Wetang’ula congratulated Sheikh Aden on his role as Chair of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Speakers’ Forum. He also acknowledged Somalia’s active representation in the assembly and the country’s increasing engagement in regional legislative initiatives. The discussion reflected a shared commitment to deepening parliamentary collaboration as a means of promoting political stability, governance, and regional integration in East Africa.

Sheikh Aden expressed his condolences on the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, highlighting the close political and historical ties between Somalia and Kenya. Additionally, he extended an invitation to Speaker Wetang’ula to participate in the upcoming East African Legislative Assembly Speakers’ Forum, which Somalia is set to host in May 2026. This invitation underlines Somalia’s dedication to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning within the regional legislative community.

Key points discussed during the meeting included the establishment of a parliamentary friendship committee between Somalia and Kenya, an initiative aimed at promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between the two legislatures. Both leaders emphasized the importance of exchanging parliamentary expertise, sharing best practices in legislative processes, and building institutional capacity to strengthen governance structures in both countries. The discussions also highlighted the value of collaborative programs, joint workshops, and capacity-building initiatives for lawmakers and parliamentary staff.

In addition to the two speakers, the meeting was attended by several high-ranking Somali officials, including Abdirahman Mohamed Abdulle (Jaabiri), Secretary General of Somalia’s House of the People; Jibril Ibrahim Abdulle, Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya; and Yusuf Hassan, Director General of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Their participation reflects the Somali delegation’s commitment to enhancing parliamentary diplomacy and ensuring that the discussions produce concrete outcomes for both nations.

The dialogue between the Somali and Kenyan parliamentary leaders demonstrates the strategic importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges, ranging from political instability to socio-economic development. By strengthening legislative collaboration, both countries aim to create platforms for dialogue, policy exchange, and conflict resolution, which are essential for advancing peace, security, and sustainable development in the Horn of Africa.

Looking ahead, Somalia’s hosting of the EALA Speakers’ Forum in May 2026 is expected to provide a major platform for regional parliamentary engagement. It will bring together lawmakers from across East Africa to discuss pressing regional issues, share experiences, and develop joint strategies for legislative improvement and political integration. Somalia’s proactive role in this forum highlights its commitment to regional leadership and the promotion of collaborative governance initiatives.

In conclusion, the meeting between Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur and Moses M. Wetang’ula represents a significant step in enhancing Somalia-Kenya parliamentary relations. Through dialogue, mutual cooperation, and knowledge exchange, both countries are reinforcing their commitment to regional stability, legislative strengthening, and collaborative development. Such engagements serve as a model for cross-border parliamentary diplomacy, fostering trust, understanding, and shared progress for East Africa.