Uhuru meets Somali President, insists there's no turning back on Dadaab closure

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed watch a parade of Kenya Army at State House, Nairobi. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta reiterated the resolve of the Government to shut down Dadaab Refugee Camp.

Addressing a joint press conference with Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed at State House, Nairobi, Thursday, Uhuru highlighted support programmes Kenya is undertaking to see the war-torn country stand on its own.

Tomorrow, Uhuru and Mohamed will be attending an extra-ordinary summit by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) to seek durable solution to the over 400,000 refugees.

The two Heads of State agreed to launch direct flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu, with the first flight planned to start within two weeks. The two countries further agreed to drop visa requirement for diplomatic and service passport holders.

The leaders further agreed to open Mandera — Bulawayo and Dobley-Liboi borders to facilitate free movement of people and goods between the two countries.

The Government had last year postponed the repatriation of refugees to May this year, but the plan has since been halted by the High Court.

"Kenya is committed to train, within our institutions and at Government cost, 200 teachers, 200 nurses and 100 Somali administrators. Indeed to support the enhancement of technical skills necessary for rehabilitation upon return of refugees, Kenya will establish a technical training institute for youths at the Dadaab Refugee Camp," said Uhuru.

Mohamed described Kenya as a great ally.

"This renewed cooperation between the two countries is necessary in combating threats posed by terrorists," he said.