The Kenyan government said on Thursday it is ready to negotiate with Somali militant group Al- Shabaab only if it stops violence. Addressing a news conference in Nairobi, Kenyan Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Richard Onyonka confirmed that the Islamist fighters have frequently been in touch with the Kenyan government for negotiations. "If Al-Shabaab would like to discuss and engage with the Kenyan government, our channels are very open. The truth is Al-Shaabab is frequently and constantly in touch with the Kenyan government," Onyonka told journalists in Nairobi. His statement, however, contradicts Government Spokesman Dr. Alfred Mutua who had earlier ruled out talks with the al Qaida linked militia, saying Nairobi does not talk with terror gangs. Mutua said there was no plans within the government to start negotiations with Al-Shabaab which has promised to bring the flames of war into Kenya and bring down the skyscrapers of Nairobi. "There are no plans and that there is no indication of Kenya holding discussions or negotiating with the Al-Shabaab, Kenya does not negotiate with outlawed or criminal gangs," Mutua told journalists in Nairobi earlier in the day. Mutua who declined to confirm whether Al-Shabaab had approached Kenya for talks, however, said the Somali militia presents "clear and present danger to the security of the world and especially of the East Africa region", noting that the war on terror cannot be won without dismantling the group's power.

 But speaking to journalists in Nairobi hours later, Onyonka said the insurgents would first have to abandon violence in order to create atmosphere for such negotiations to be guided by the Djibouti Agreement of 2010 and the Kampala Accord to start. "If they don't renounce violence, the Kenyan government shall not discuss anything with them. We know that some Al-Shabaab people have been staying here and it was a deliberate government decision to allow them to stay here, because we were engaged with them," the assistant minister said. The remarks came as Kenyan troops captured Busar town on Thursday and are closing in on another militants-held town of Burahache in southern Somalia as two of its soldiers who were injured in the first confrontation of Somalia militants are airlifted to Nairobi for medication. "The Kenya Defence Forces have captured Busar and are now moving towards Burahache," military spokesman Major Emmanuel Chirchir said in Nairobi on Thursday. Chirchir said the Kenyan troops came under Al-Shabaab attack at around midday on Thursday in the first engagement with insurgents. He said the attack left at least nine members of the Islamist group killed with others escaping with injuries. He said the attack also left two Kenyan troops injured. "Today at around 1130hrs, Kenyan troops came under Al-Shabaab attack which marks the first engagement with the militia force. Al- Shabaab strength at the time of attack is estimated at 45 militants," Chirchir said in Nairobi.

 He said the attack was conduced as the Kenyan troops which launched cross border incursions into Somalia 11 days ago was moving from Tabda to Beles Qooqani to"reinforce the forward positions". "Nine Al-Shabaab were killed with others escaping with injuries. Two Kenya Defense Forces troops injured one critically. The soldiers have all been airlifted for medication," he said. Meanwhile, business enterprises in Nairobi are losing nearly almost 1 million U.S. dollars daily as customers shy away from the Nairobi Central Business District (NCBD) following the recent spate of grenade attacks that have been witnessed in the City. The most affected businesses include shopping malls, bars, hotels, restaurants and the transport sector. 

Nairobi Central Business District Association (NCBDA) Chairperson Timothy Muriuki told people to go about their day to day activities normally to prevent collapse of businesses. "Some malls that used to record close to 1,000 people especially in the evening are now facing tremendous challenges. At times now, they only have 30 people, half of whom are security officers," said Muriuki. He said the association would not allow Nairobi, which is the economic hub in the region, to operate like the lawless Mogadishu and watch as mega businesses collapse. The city that is known as East Africa's business hub because of brisk business is hard hit by the effects of terrorism activities. Al-Shabaab militants, which Kenya's authorities accused of threatening its economy after several tourists were kidnapped, have vowed to attack Nairobi and inflict pain on the East African nation economy. "It is important that Kenyans continue with their normal lives despite the threat posed by the Al-Shabaab militia as shying away from malls, bars, hotels, restaurants and public transport system is greatly affecting the country's economy," added Muriuki. He advised business owners to improve security in their premises by installing modern surveillance systems, being extra vigilant and beefing up security by employing private guards so as to identify would be terrorists. 

Police in Kenya have asked business establishments and institutions to intensify security at their premises. Now, before one enters any major business premise, they must undergo various security checks that include emptying their pockets for men, bags for women and revealing their identities. These are among things that are also keeping away potential shoppers.The cross-border operation dubbed Operation Linda Nchi (Protect the Nation) which was launched on Oct. 16 has seen Kenya deploy ground troops and air assets between its common border and near the Somali port town of Kismayo.