Kenya re-opens airspace to flights from Somalia in charm offensive

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 10 – Following weeks of radio silence, Kenya has reopened its airspace to flights originating from Somalia and emanating from Kenya to Somalia.

The move comes weeks after Kenya suspended flights to the horn of Africa nation in a notice that excluded medical and United Nations humanitarian flights.

The notice was expected to run until August 9, 2021.

The reasons for the ban was not clear but it is believed to be as a result of an ongoing ban on the transportation of khat to Somalia.

The statement from Kenya’s ministry of Foreign Affairs Thursday is seen as a charm offensive as the two countries attempt to normalize their relations.

Somalia had earlier cut diplomatic ties with Kenya in December 2020, alleging constant violations of Somalia’s sovereignty and interference in internal affairs.

Kenya denied all the accusations.

The countries are also engaged in an ongoing maritime boundary dispute over who controls a section of the Indian Ocean waters believed to contain large deposits of oil and natural gas.

“This goodwill measure has been made in the mutual interest of our two countries and in the hope that it will cause the full normalization bilateral relations between Kenya and Somalia including diplomatic, trade and people to people linkages that have undergone undue strain,” reads the statement by MFA.

The two countries insist that that will renew their enduring bonds of friendship and partnership.

COVID-19 protocols for passengers as directed by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority will however remain unchanged.

All passengers and crew coming to Kenya must be in possession of a valid COVID-19 negative PCR test certificate conducted within 96 hours before travel.

Children under 5 years will be exempted from the negative COVID-19 PCR test as all travelers will be expected to fill the travelers’ locator form and submit before travel.

“The ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia the assurances of its highest consideration,” the MFA said.