NAIROBI – Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale has extended Kenya’s warm congratulations to the Federal Republic of Somalia on the 66th anniversary of its Union Day, emphasizing the two nations’ deepening partnership and shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous Horn of Africa.
Delivering the keynote address at a commemoration event in Nairobi, CS Duale described Union Day as a historic milestone that symbolises the Somali people’s enduring quest for unity, peace, and collective progress. On behalf of the Government and people of Kenya, he conveyed heartfelt congratulations to the Government and citizens of Somalia.
“Union Day marks a defining moment in Somalia’s history,” Duale said. He commended Somalia’s continued efforts to strengthen national institutions, improve security, build resilience, advance economic recovery, and consolidate peace. The occasion, he noted, also provides an opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Kenya and Somalia.
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the warm and cordial bilateral relations founded on mutual respect, sovereign equality, and good neighbourliness. Cooperation between the two countries spans trade and investment, security, education, agriculture, health, the blue economy, transport, and regional integration.
“The Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) remains the principal framework for advancing this partnership,” Duale stated. He recalled the successful 3rd Session of the Kenya-Somalia JCC held in Nairobi from 3rd to 5th May 2024, which produced a clear roadmap for collaboration. Kenya looks forward to convening the 4th Session at the earliest opportunity to review progress and identify new areas of cooperation.
On regional peace and security, CS Duale reaffirmed Kenya’s strong support for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). “Our participation reflects Kenya’s unwavering commitment to African-led solutions to African challenges,” he emphasised, adding that a stable Somalia is essential for the prosperity of the Horn of Africa and the wider continent.
Kenya, he said, will continue working closely with the Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union, IGAD, the East African Community, the United Nations, and other partners to support Somali-led peacebuilding and institution-strengthening efforts.
Looking to the future, Duale called for translating bilateral relations into tangible benefits for citizens through enhanced cooperation in trade, cross-border infrastructure, agriculture, the blue economy, climate resilience, digital innovation, and skills development. He noted that Somalia’s membership in the EAC, together with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), opens new avenues for economic integration and regional value chains.
Honored to join the commemoration of the 66th Anniversary of the Union Day of the Federal Republic of Somalia in Nairobi, Kenya. pic.twitter.com/IDMVGao5aT
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) July 4, 2026
In his closing remarks, CS Duale described the celebration as a reminder of the value of friendship and solidarity among neighbours. “May the friendship between Kenya and Somalia continue to flourish, and may our partnership contribute to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Horn of Africa,” he said.
The event served as a timely reminder of the strong neighbourly relations between the two countries and their joint vision for a stable and prosperous Horn of Africa. Both nations expressed confidence that their partnership will continue to flourish, delivering greater opportunities for their peoples.
