Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Somaliland House of Representatives on Tuesday welcomed Mr. Kamaal Hussein Dirie, a Kenyan parliamentary candidate for Kamukunji constituency, in a session aimed at deepening ties between Somaliland and Kenya.
The meeting, chaired by Speaker Hon. Yaasiin Maxamuud Xiir Faraton and attended by Deputy Speaker Said Mire alongside several lawmakers, highlighted Somaliland’s drive to strengthen international partnerships.
Dirie, who traces his roots to Somaliland and has long championed its quest for international recognition, was received warmly. Lawmakers hailed his candidacy in Kenya, noting that his influence could help amplify Somaliland’s voice in regional and international forums.
Talks at the Speaker’s office focused on expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in advancing democratic governance and promoting regional stability. Both sides emphasized the importance of reviving the Kenya-Somaliland Parliamentary Caucus, which was relaunched in Nairobi in August 2023, as a vehicle for sustained collaboration.
Speaker Faraton commended Dirie for his continued advocacy, expressing confidence that his potential election to the Kenyan Parliament—where he is also seeking the Speaker’s position—would open new opportunities for partnership.
Dirie, in turn, reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening relations between Hargeisa and Nairobi, calling the engagement an important step toward building bridges in the Horn of Africa.
The House of Representatives, established through Somaliland’s first direct elections in 2005, has increasingly sought such international outreach as part of the region’s broader strategy to gain recognition and bolster diplomatic ties. Tuesday’s meeting was seen as a milestone in that ongoing pursuit.