Browsing: Khat

The July 15, 2022 agreement signifies that diplomatic relations are strengthening between the two Eastern African countries.

Fish imports from Somalia and Miraa exports from Kenya are expected to start again “with immediate effect,” according to a joint declaration issued by Kenyan and Somali officials.

The two nations have “decided to facilitate, diversify, and develop economic and trade cooperation and ordered the speedy market access of fish products and fish from Somalia to Kenya and vice visor, the resumption of trade in khat (miraa) between Kenya and Somalia will begin immediately, this is to take effect immediately.”

However, their relationship has been tumultuous due to a disagreement over the rights of prospective offshore gas and oil deposits, some of which are located off their disputed maritime border and belong to the United Nations.…

Trade between the two countries has also suffered from the March 2020 Somalia ban of the importation of Miraa/khat from Kenya. This followed a decision by Kenya to stop issuing visas on arrival to Somalis.

But there could be a silver lining for traders from both countries since in August 2021, Somalia Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Rooble assured that cross border trade between Kenya and Somalia would resume soon.

Prior to the announcement, Rooble held a closed-door meeting with Somali traders in Mombasa Wednesday. The meeting called for the strengthening of the diplomatic relationship between the two countries and the continuous collaboration in different sectors of the economy.…

Diplomatic passport holders must obtain prior approval from Somalia’s foreign affairs ministry.…