a) Historical background of the relations

Since Kenya's independence, our two countries have enjoyed good neighbourly relations. Ethiopia and Kenya have lived in mutual respect without interfering in the internal affairs of each other, and without threatening each other. In fact, the ideology "Greater Somalia" was a threat directed at both countries, leading them to render each other support and to sign a mutual defence agreement. That having been said, cattle rustling has been a feature in the border area between the two countries and this problem has grown in the past decade. Moreover, as economic and political problems emerged in Kenya, the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and like-minded elements were able to take refuge in the northern part of that country. While it is important that these problems be addressed, they do not define or alter, the fundamental nature of the relationship.

While the political relationship has been basically healthy, the economic relationship, which could have gone far, has lagged behind. Kenya has faced a series of economic difficulties in the last ten years, that weakened its economy. But it certainly enjoyed better development than others in our region and it still does. Even though it faced various political problems aggravated by its troubled economy, Kenya is basically a peaceful country. Kenya follows Ethiopia and The Sudan in terms of population but has a comparatively larger market. However, the economic ties between Ethiopia and Kenya are weak and hobbled by contraband.

b) Significance of the relations

Even though some economic problems constrain its development, Kenya has a comparatively large market in our region. As it addresses its problems and makes strides in development, Kenya could constitute a truly significant market. Besides, Kenya is our bridge to East and Southern Africa. In commercial terms, the Kenyan market could be comparable to that of the Sudan.

In terms of facilities it can offer, Kenya's ports could be better options for some parts of our country. Since Kenya suffers from a large electric power shortage, it could be envisaged in the future that it could purchase power from Ethiopia, enabling both countries to benefit substantially. The utilisation of the Omo River, which flows from Ethiopia and enters Lake Turkana, on the border with Kenya, has been a point of difference. But if handled correctly, the difference could be resolved without much difficulty. In general, despite the fact that lack of attention has resulted in weak economic relations, it is obvious that Kenya can play a considerable and positive role in the development in Ethiopia.

So far, Kenya has been a land of peace and stability, and is well placed to play a significant role in the promotion of stability in the region. If the economic and political challenges that tested Kenya in the past decade are resolved, the country can most certainly play a significant and constructive role in the Horn of Africa.

c) Problems in the relations

The basic problem manifested in the relationship with Kenya was the fact that no attention was given to the creation of a strong, legally based economic relationship. As a result, although it is possible to link the two countries by roads and railways, there is, at present, no road link worthy of mention. It had also been possible to create telecommunication and electric power service links, but again, there are no achievements in this field. In general, no significant effort was made to link the two countries economically. So the good neighbourly relations the two states enjoyed did not extent to development. Both countries are responsible for this state of affairs.

Unless the political and economic problems that have manifested themselves in the past ten years in Kenya are solved, the country's peace and stability will be sorely tested. The negative influence that can come from this was evidenced in the last ten years when northern Kenya became an active center for anti-peace forces. Some Kenyans, who are still stuck on dependency, worry when neighbouring countries make economic progress and experience peace and democracy, thinking that Kenya may lose both the prominence in the eyes of aid donors, and the advantages she has enjoyed for many years. This leads them to view stability in neighbouring countries as contrary to their interest, and hence, to view the emerging situation with suspicion and some degree of envy. If this attitude gains prominence in Kenya, it could become an obstacle for the strengthening of its relationships with its neighbours, including Ethiopia.