Kenya has announced its decision to officially reopen its border points with Somalia in the towns of Mandera, Lamu, and Garissa within the next 90 days. The move comes after high-level consultations between Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki and his Somali counterpart Mohamed Ahmed Sheikh in Nairobi. The border closure was initially implemented in 2011 during Kenya’s Operation Linda Nchi, aimed at combating the infiltration of Al-Shabaab fighters into the country.
The reopening of the border will occur in phases, with Bula Hawa in Mandera scheduled to open within 30 days, followed by Liboi (Mandera) in 60 days, and Ras Kamboni (Lamu) in 90 days. The government is also considering the addition of a fourth border post in Wajir County. Both countries emphasize the importance of strengthening cross-border communication and working together to ensure stability and security.
The discussions between the two ministers centered around the need for shared cross-border intelligence and the enhancement of law enforcement capacity to manage the borders. They also explored plans for establishing modern and secure border infrastructure to facilitate trade, mobility, and the movement of people.
The initiative, called “Deris Wanaag” meaning “Good Neighbourliness” in Somali, is being funded by the United Kingdom. With a budget of over Ksh1.7 billion ($12 million), the project aims to address the perennial insecurity and instability caused by Al-Shabaab in the Horn of Africa region. The three-year program seeks to improve regional security and counter extremism.
In addition to reopening the border with Somalia, Kenya recently launched a project to reopen its border with Ethiopia, which also faced attacks by Al-Shabaab in the past. The thawing of relations between Kenya and Somalia follows a period of diplomatic tension, including a temporary severing of ties in 2020. The countries share a 680-kilometer land border and have had longstanding disputes over a potentially resource-rich portion of the Indian Ocean.
By reopening these border crossings, Kenya and Somalia aim to promote trade, enhance security cooperation, and foster regional stability, ultimately paving the way for improved relations and collaboration between the neighboring nations.
