Kenya has banned all flight operations between Kenya and its neighbour Somalia hardly a week after Qatar brokered an understanding during an impasse between the two countries.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Director General Captain Gilbert Kibe announced the ban but did not disclose the details surrounding the decision.

Kibe stated that they were merely implementing order and did not say where from nor give any reasons.

Unconfirmed reports say that the ban was Kenya's immediate response to Somalia's refusal to lift the ban it had imposed on Kenya's khat flight a year ago. 

Somalia Civil Aviation Authority reiterated that the ban on khat flights to Somalia is still active and issued a warning against anyone found violating the order. 

Read More

  1. Most Kenyans have confidence in DP Kithure Kindiki leadership - Politrack Africa survey
  2. Cabinet approves BRT core line 3 to transform Nairobi's busy transit
  3. US national charged in a Nairobi court over Sh174.1 million gold scam

Diplomatic relations between Nairobi and Mogadishu were restored just last week when Somali announced it had restored the diplomatic relations with Kenya that had deteriorated with the maritime boundary dispute taking center stage.

“In the interest of good neighbourliness, Federal Government of Somalia resumes Diplomatic ties with Kenya based on mutual benefit and respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-external interference, peaceful co-existence and equality,” said Abdirashid Hashi, President Mohamed Farmaajo’s spokesperson.

The ban is likely to harm Kenyan miraa traders who rely heavily on Somalia as one of their key markets.