Kenya to Reopen Somalia Border in April After 14-Year Closure Mukhtasari President William Ruto says the Kenya-Somalia border will reopen in April The border has been closed since 2011 due to Al-Shabaab threats Security will be strengthened to prevent criminal infiltration The move aims to boost cross-border trade in Mandera and Garissa The reopening was approved by the National Security Council Committee Miraa trade will resume through selected border points Border Reopening Confirmed The Kenyan government has announced plans to reopen the Kenya-Somalia border in April, bringing to an end a closure that has lasted since 2011. President William Ruto made the announcement while addressing residents in Mandera. He said the move is intended to revive trade between the two countries while maintaining strong security controls. The border was initially shut due to security threats linked to the Al-Shabaab militant group. Security Measures to Remain Tight President Ruto assured the public that reopening the border will not weaken national security. He said additional security officers will be deployed to monitor movement and block any attempt by criminal or extremist groups to cross into the country. The President also called on local leaders and residents to share intelligence with authorities to help stop any possible threats. Trade Expected to Benefit According to the Head of State, reopening the crossing points in Mandera and Garissa counties will allow traders from both Kenya and Somalia to resume business activities. He noted that trade cannot thrive when borders remain closed and pledged to personally return in April to officially reopen the post. The government believes the move will support economic growth in the region. Previous Attempts Delayed Efforts to reopen the border in phases began in 2023 but were halted in July that year following renewed security concerns linked to Al-Shabaab. In 2024, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo confirmed that the closure would continue as security operations were ongoing in Somalia. Miraa Trade Resumes First On February 6, the Ministry of Interior formally announced that the border would reopen to allow the export of miraa to Somalia. The decision followed a request from the Nyambene Miraa Trade Association, which sought access to help farmers and traders resume business. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo stated that the National Security Council Committee had approved the reopening. Trade in miraa will be conducted through designated border points, including Mandera, Liboi, and Kiunga. International Cooperation in Security The government has said the reopening will follow a careful and intelligence-based plan. Kenya continues to work closely with international partners such as the United Kingdom and the United States in the fight against Al-Shabaab. Officials maintain that while trade will resume, national security remains a top priority as the country prepares for the border reopening in April. Photo/Courtesy.
President William Ruto says the Kenya-Somalia border will reopen in April
The border has been closed since 2011 due to Al-Shabaab threats
Security will be strengthened to prevent criminal infiltration
The move aims to boost cross-border trade in Mandera and Garissa
The Kenyan government has announced plans to reopen the Kenya-Somalia border in April, bringing to an end a closure that has lasted since 2011.
President William Ruto announced while addressing residents in Mandera. He said the move is intended to revive trade between the two countries while maintaining strong security controls.
The border was initially shut due to security threats linked to the Al-Shabaab militant group.
President Ruto assured the public that reopening the border will not weaken national security.
He said additional security officers will be deployed to monitor movement and block any attempt by criminal or extremist groups to cross into the country.
The President also called on local leaders and residents to share intelligence with authorities to help stop any possible threats.
According to the Head of State, reopening the crossing points in Mandera and Garissa counties will allow traders from both Kenya and Somalia to resume business activities.
He noted that trade cannot thrive when borders remain closed and pledged to personally return in April to officially reopen the post.
The government believes the move will support economic growth in the region.
Efforts to reopen the border in phases began in 2023 but were halted in July that year following renewed security concerns linked to Al-Shabaab.
In 2024, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo confirmed that the closure would continue as security operations were ongoing in Somalia.
On February 6, the Ministry of Interior formally announced that the border would reopen to allow the export of miraa to Somalia.
The decision followed a request from the Nyambene Miraa Trade Association, which sought access to help farmers and traders resume business.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo stated that the National Security Council Committee had approved the reopening. Trade in miraa will be conducted through designated border points, including Mandera, Liboi, and Kiunga.
The government has said the reopening will follow a careful and intelligence-based plan.
Kenya continues to work closely with international partners such as the United Kingdom and the United States in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
Officials maintain that while trade will resume, national security remains a top priority as the country prepares for the border reopening in April.
