MOGADISHU, Somalia – A near 10-day ban on the importation of khat from Kenya to Somalia has raised concerns about the growing impact on trade relations and the wider economy. The ban has led to uncertainty, with no clear indication of when Kenyan khat will return to the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
New information from sources within the Somali government suggests that the ban could extend further, exacerbating tensions between the two neighboring countries. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, linked the issue to the political dynamics surrounding trade policies related to khat.
In Nairobi, sources revealed that khat traders visited the Kenyan capital earlier this month to meet with senior government officials. The traders reportedly discussed the high prices charged for khat exports to Somalia, urging the Kenyan government to lower the cost for Kenyan farmers to remain competitive in the Somali market.
The traders expressed growing concerns over the rising prices in Somalia, which they argued were unsustainable for Kenyan farmers, who have struggled to see full profits due to the inflated costs. The business dispute appears to be compounded by political factors, particularly with the administration of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, which may seek to address the tensions in a bid to improve trade relations between the two nations.
The ongoing ban also poses a significant economic challenge for Somalia, where khat is an essential commodity, particularly in Mogadishu, and widely consumed. The disruption to the supply of khat could further worsen Somalia’s already precarious economic situation, which has been exacerbated by inflation and limited resources.
Both governments are expected to engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue. However, the continuation of the ban threatens to impact not only the many Somalis who depend on the khat trade but also Somali traders involved in the importation and distribution of the commodity.
Shabelle Media Network has reported on the latest developments, noting that the dispute between Somalia and Kenya over khat is becoming a key issue in bilateral trade relations.
