Hassan Sheikh tours 'small Somalia' in Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud toured Eastleigh suburbs in Nairobi, which is commonly referred to as 'small Somalia', given the dominance of Somali ethnic groups in the estate, also known for its ideal business environment.

Eastleigh has been a major business hub in Kenya, controlling almost 60% of Nairobi's GDP, and contributes significantly to the national revenue in the East African nation. The estate is at times called Nairobi's commercial centre of 'new Mogadishu'.

On Wednesday, Hassan Sheikh, who has been in Kenya, visited businesses owned by Somalis as he interacted with them about the successes and challenges facing them. He was accompanied by Kenya's Defence Minister Aden Duale and Kamukunji MP Yussuf Hassan.

During the trip, Hassan Sheikh discussed investment opportunities, security and progress with the business community. He asked Somalis living in Kenya to comply with the laws of the land for the sake of survival and brotherhood.

The Eastleigh neighborhood hosts one of the largest ethnic Somali communities outside Somalia, with a bustling commercial scene. Although the government had earmarked it as a danger zone for terror activities, Eastleigh remains relatively stable.

Hassan Sheikh arrived in Nairobi for the African Development Bank's (AfDB) 2024 Annual Meetings, which focus on restructuring Africa's financial systems. The main agenda is socio-economic transformation, aimed at accelerating inclusive and sustainable development across the continent.

Kenya is a major security and development partner of Somalia, having contributed thousands of troops to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The ATMIS contingent is set to leave the country by the end of 2024 in compliance with the Somali Transition Plan.

However, during his US visit, President William Ruto asked Washington DC to interfere and have the calendar changed, arguing that the exit would complicate gains made by the mission forces. According to him, Al-Shabaab could easily cement its dominance.

GAROWE ONLINE