Kenya and Ethiopia Leaders Unite for Historic Launch of Cross-Border Borana Student Association

KOKET, ETHIOPIA — In a landmark event symbolizing cross-border cooperation, political, academic, and community leaders from Kenya and Ethiopia joined university students in Koket, Ethiopia, for the official inauguration of the Borana Ethiopia University Students Association (BESA).

Held under the unifying theme “Education, Empowerment, and Unity,” the launch ceremony brought together a diverse assembly of students, elders, and government officials. The forum served as a platform for critical discussions on leadership, the preservation of cultural identity, and the pivotal role of education in fostering peace and sustainable development within the Borana community and across the region.

The high-profile event underscored the initiative’s significant political and social backing, with notable attendees including:

• H.E. Abagada Guyyo Boru Guyyo (Ethiopia)
• PS Kello Harsama, Principal Secretary, The State Department for Livestock (Kenya)
• Hon. Prof. Guyo Jaldesa, Member of Parliament, Moyale Constituency (Kenya)
• Hon. Col. (Rtd) Dido Ali Rasso, Member of Parliament, Saku Constituency (Kenya)
• Sen. Mohamed Chute, Senator, Marsabit County (Kenya)

They were joined by other distinguished guests and elders from both nations, highlighting a shared commitment to the association’s goals.

The primary mission of BESA is to strengthen unity, academic collaboration, and cultural cohesion among Borana university students in Ethiopia. Organizers envision the association as a catalyst for empowering youth to become proactive leaders and change-makers, equipped to contribute to their communities’ socio-economic progress.

“This is more than a student club; it is a bridge,” said one of the founding student members. “A bridge between generations, between our campuses, and between our nations. Through BESA, we are investing in a unified future rooted in knowledge and shared purpose.”

The launch of BESA marks a proactive step in harnessing the potential of the region’s youth, emphasizing that education and collaborative spirit are fundamental pillars for lasting peace and shared prosperity in the Horn of Africa.

About BESA:
The Borana Ethiopia University Students Association (BESA) is a newly formed organization dedicated to uniting Borana university students across Ethiopia. Its core objectives include promoting academic excellence, cultural exchange, leadership development, and community service, with a vision to nurture a generation of empowered and socially responsible leaders.