By Joshua Otieno | April 6, 2026
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale officiated the second edition of the East Africa Somali Awards (EASA) on Sunday night in Nairobi, celebrating the achievements and growing influence of the Somali community across the region.
The gala recognized outstanding individuals of Somali heritage in sectors including medicine, business, fashion, technology, media, and hospitality, following a rigorous regional vetting process.
In his address, Duale highlighted the remarkable transformation of the Somali business community over the past two decades, noting its rise from small-scale enterprises to major players in key sectors such as telecommunications, logistics, real estate, and finance.
“The Somali community’s contribution to East Africa’s economy is a testament to innovation and hard work.”
He also called for stronger governance, formalization of businesses, and ethical investment, particularly in the healthcare sector.
Duale emphasized the link between economic growth and public health, pointing to the government’s Universal Health Coverage agenda under the TaifaCare framework as a key driver of productivity and entrepreneurship.
The event was attended by several regional leaders, including Nathif Jama, Mohammed Adow, and Jabril Abdulle, among other dignitaries from Kenya and Somalia.
EASA CEO Ridwan Yusuf Mohamud noted that the awards aim to inspire the next generation of leaders by showcasing excellence and strengthening regional integration.
Key awards presented during the ceremony included Business of the Year, Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, and Excellence in Medicine, highlighting the diverse contributions of the Somali community to East Africa’s development.
