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President William Ruto has revealed that Somalia imported goods worth Ksh5 billion from Kenya in the first nine months of 2024.

In a statement posted on his X account on Saturday, January 11, 2025, the Head of State highlighted the growing trade ties between the two neighbouring nations.

President Ruto’s announcement comes after discussions with Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on the sidelines of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme being held in Kampala, Uganda.

He noted that the bilateral ties have improved significantly since Somalia joined the East African Community (EAC) in 2023.

President Ruto is in Uganda for the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) held in Kampala, Uganda.

“Kenya and Somalia have excellent diplomatic relations that have progressively deepened since the Horn of African country joined the East African Community last year. Our two countries are doing more business than before, with Somalia buying goods worth KSh5 billion in the first nine months of 2024,” President Ruto stated.

Adding;

“On peace and security, Kenya, and indeed the region, will continue to be engaged in collaborative efforts to ensure stability in Somalia.”

Kenya and Somalia have excellent diplomatic relations that have progressively deepened since the Horn of African country joined the East African Community last year.

Our two countries are doing more business than before, with Somalia buying goods worth KSh5 billion in the first… pic.twitter.com/shOxGJeuam

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) January 11, 2025

Ruto in Uganda

Earlier, President Ruto left for Uganda for the summit aimed at evaluating the progress towards set targets and discussing the adoption of the Kampala Declaration. which outlines a shared vision for transforming agri-food systems from 2026 to 2035.

He was received by officials from the Kenyan Embassy, including Ambassador Joash Maangi, along with senior state officials from Uganda.

During the summit, President Ruto is expected to highlight Kenya’s initiatives to improve food security, reduce poverty, create employment opportunities, and promote sustainable development.