By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, June 24,2026 - Kenyan institutions have intensified regional cooperation efforts with Somalia following a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening governance, land management, planning, and inclusive development.
At the National Land Commission (NLC) headquarters, NLC Chairman Dr. Abdillahi Alawy, Commissioners Vincent Kigen and Susan Oyatsi, and Chief Executive Officer Kabale Tache hosted a delegation from Somalia's Federal Government led by Farah Abdinur Ahmed, Director General at the Ministry of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing.
The Somali delegation is in Kenya on a study tour designed to enhance bilateral cooperation and facilitate institutional learning between the two countries.
During the meeting, NLC officials provided a detailed briefing on the Commission's constitutional and statutory mandates, including land administration, valuation, taxation, and dispute resolution. The discussions offered the visitors insights into Kenya's legal and policy framework for sustainable land governance.
The Commission noted that it has become a regional reference point in land governance and frequently hosts delegations from across Africa seeking to learn from Kenya's experiences and best practices.
Also present at the meeting were senior NLC officials, including Director of Valuation and Taxation Joel Ombati and Director of Land Administration and Management Dr. Samuel Nthuni.
In a separate engagement, National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) Chairperson Rehema Dida Jaldesa hosted Jubaland State Minister for Planning, Investment and International Cooperation, Abdirahman Abdi Ahmed, for discussions on strengthening regional collaboration and advancing shared development priorities.
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The talks focused on cross-border challenges such as gender inequality, climate-related vulnerabilities, displacement, and unequal access to essential services. Both sides emphasized the importance of inclusive development strategies that prioritize women, youth, persons with disabilities, older persons, minorities, and other marginalized groups.
The meeting also explored opportunities for cooperation in evidence-based planning, institutional capacity building, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of inclusive governance practices aimed at expanding equitable participation and access to opportunities.
The two engagements underscored the growing ties between Kenya and Somalia in governance and development matters, with both countries expressing commitment to strengthening partnerships that promote equality, inclusion, sustainable development, and effective public institutions.
Officials said the collaborations would contribute to building responsive institutions and advancing development approaches that ensure no one is left behind.