Miraa flights to Somalia resume Wednesday after Uhuru, Mohamoud talks

Flights to Somalia were suspended last week after purported controversial remarks by Meru Governor Peter Munya.

But Mogadishu said the decision was taken for security reasons owing to the planned IGAD summit.

President Kenyatta, the first Head of State to visit Mogadishu in 30 years, also secured an agreement for Kenya Commercial Bank to open a branch in Mogadishu before the end of the year.

Read: Uhuru in Somalia for Igad summit, visit first by Kenyan president in 30 years

The development has been hailed as a major boost to Meru people, especially small-scale miraa farmers who solely depend on the crop for their livelihood.

“This is a significant progress and we thank the leadership of Somalia,” Uhuru said after talks with President Mohamoud.

The two leaders also held bilateral talks on matters of mutual interest to the two countries.

The leaders also agreed that the two countries will continue their cooperation on matters security, while Kenya will help Somalia strengthen its public service.

President Kenyatta also joined Uganda President Yoweri Museveni and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn for a special IGAD Summit in Mogadishu that discussed the progress Somalia has made towards peace and stability.

President Kenyatta was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale and Meru Women Rep Florence Kajuju.

Kajuju has been at the forefront in campaigning for the opening up of the Somalia miraa market.