Ruto: Kenya-Somalia Trade Will Continue Growing Despite Border Challenges

By Ayubu John Afrimedia Group news 

President William Ruto has said trade and cooperation between Kenya and Somalia will continue to grow despite the border challenges facing the two neighbouring countries.

Speaking in Wajir County, President Ruto said the existing border dispute should not be viewed as an obstacle to economic and regional integration efforts.

"Asante sana. Ingawa tuna changamoto kuhusu mpaka, hilo halinyimi Somalia fursa ya kufanya biashara na maeneo mengine ya kanda. Biashara kati yetu na Somalia itaendelea kuongezeka, ingawa kwa sasa haitegemei sana matumizi ya mpaka wetu wa pamoja," said Ruto.

The President noted that numerous commercial, military and regional engagements continue to strengthen ties between Somalia and member states of the East African Community.

"Kuna shughuli nyingi za kibiashara, za kijeshi na njia nyingine mbalimbali zinazoendelea kuwezesha ushirikiano kati ya Somalia na Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki," he added.

Ruto expressed hope that stronger bilateral relations would emerge once Somalia addresses its political challenges.

"Bila shaka hali ingekuwa tofauti kama changamoto za mpakani zisingekuwepo, lakini hiyo ni changamoto ambayo tunaendelea kukabiliana nayo. Tunatumaini kwamba baada ya kutatua changamoto za kisiasa nchini Somalia, tutapata maendeleo zaidi," he said.

The Head of State also revealed that Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to visit Kenya for a maritime affairs meeting, creating an opportunity for both leaders to discuss pending issues affecting the two countries.

"Leo nimepewa taarifa na balozi wa Somalia kwamba Hassan Sheikh Mohamud atakuja nchini Kenya kwa mkutano wa masuala ya bahari. Hilo litanipa fursa ya kukutana naye ili tujadili na kutatua baadhi ya changamoto zilizopo kuhusu mipaka yetu na eneo letu kwa ujumla," said Ruto.

On access to justice, the President said the government has approved a programme to expand judicial infrastructure across the country in partnership with development agencies.

"Katiba inataka kila sehemu ya Kenya iwe na miundombinu inayotambuliwa kwa ajili ya utoaji wa haki. Serikali imeidhinisha mpango wa kushirikiana na washirika wa maendeleo ili kupanua huduma hizi," he said.

Ruto added that Wajir is among the regions likely to benefit from the initiative.

"Nina imani kwamba mojawapo ya maeneo yatakayonufaika na ufadhili huu ni Wajir, na hivyo kuwezesha Mahakama Kuu kufanya kazi kikamilifu katika eneo hilo," he noted.

Addressing concerns over the border wall project, the President explained that the government had shifted its priorities and adopted a different security approach.

"Kuhusu ujenzi wa ukuta wa mpaka, huo ulikuwa mradi wa serikali uliotekelezwa kwa kipindi fulani. Hata hivyo, baadaye vipaumbele vilibadilika na kukawa na mtazamo mpya kuhusu namna bora ya kushughulikia masuala ya usalama wa eneo hilo," he said.

He added that a multi-agency security framework is currently in place to strengthen security along the Kenya-Somalia border.

"Kwa sasa tuna kikosi jumuishi kinachoshirikisha jeshi na taasisi nyingine za usalama katika mfumo wa ushirikiano wa pamoja ili kuimarisha usalama wa eneo hilo," said Ruto.

On the fate of Kenyans who have been abducted or remain in captivity, the President assured families that the government is actively pursuing their release through diplomatic, intelligence and humanitarian channels.

"Tunaendelea kutumia njia zote zinazowezekana, ikiwa ni pamoja na mawasiliano ya kibinadamu, taarifa za kiintelijensia na njia nyinginezo, ili kuhakikisha wanaachiliwa," he said.

The President noted that Kenya is working with the Somali government, the United Nations and other international partners to secure their freedom.

"Baadhi yao tayari wameachiwa huru, huku wengine bado tunaendelea kufanya juhudi za kuhakikisha wanaachiwa. Tutazidi kufanya kazi pamoja na kila anayehusika ili kufanikisha hilo," Ruto said.