NAIROBI – Somalia Ambassador to Kenya Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle has called for streamlining of visa processing in Kenya.
Speaking on Thursday during the re-launch of the Kenya Airways direct passenger and cargo flights to Mogadishu from Nairobi, Ambassador Abdulle said the resumption of the flights will lead to more trade through movement of goods and people
KQ resumed the flights after a four-year disruption since the suspension in 2020 during Covid-19 pandemic and amidst diplomatic tensions. It will now have three weekly flights to Mogadishu with plans to increase the frequency underway.
The envoy said re-launching of the Kenya Airways flight to Mogadishu not only marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Kenya-Somalia bilateral relations but also signifies the growing trade relations between our countries.
“This direct flight will undoubtedly enhance trade and commerce, facilitating easier movement of goods and people between our borders. Somalia’s recent accession to the East African Community (EAC) further opens new doors for the business communities in both our countries,” he said.
It is in this regard that he noted that visa processing, now done through electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) should be enhanced to handle the numbers.
“Given this growth, it is critical that visa processes be streamlined for easier, faster travel and enhanced cooperation,” Ambassador Abdille said.
He noted that Kenya Airways flight will not only provide a vital link for the Somali diaspora, allowing them to connect directly with their homeland, but also transform Nairobi into a transit hub for Somali citizens and travelers from around the world.
“This will undoubtedly contribute to the local economy, creating new opportunities and driving growth in both countries,” he said.
Since the introduction of the eTA in place of visas, some travellers have complained about the paperwork: confirmation of hotel bookings for every day, copies of already booked flight tickets, bank statements for three months… all which need to be done again (and another 72 hours wait) if the flight were to change due to no fault of their own.
Some have termed it the harshest visa regime in Africa, presented as liberalisation of travel.
The re-launch was done by Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen, his Defence counterpart Aden Duale, Kenya Airports Authority chairman Caleb Kositany, KQ chief executive Allan Kilavuka and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Director General Emile Ara, among other officials.
“I wish to thank the Government of Somalia, through the Somalia Civil Aviation Authority, for expediting the issuance of the Foreign Operator Certificate and approval of the winter schedule for Kenya Airways passenger and cargo operations,” Murkomen said.
Murkomen said Somalia, whose airspace recently regained Class A certification, becomes the 44th destination for Kenya Airways, bringing with it immense benefits for the people of both countries through enhanced trade, improved connectivity and bolstered regional cohesion and integration.
