DEG ELEMA – Communities living along the Kenya-Somalia border have appealed to the governments of both nations to expedite the reopening of border points in Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu counties.
Speaking in Deg Elema town, local elders and residents underlined the importance of restoring cross-border trade, cultural ties, and social connections that have been disrupted since the closure in October 2011.
The views were expressed by the local community during a consultations forum organized by HIKMA foundation, in Deg Elema Kenya and Deg Elema Somalia.
The town is 18 kilometres SouthEast of Liboi Border town, a vibrant economic lifeline for communities in Garissa and Jubaland State of Somalia.
Sheikh Mohamed Abdi, a trader, expressed optimism about the planned reopening.
He said it has the potential to revitalize local economies. “Our livelihoods depend on trade with Somalia. The closure has left us struggling for over a decade. We urge the government to implement these changes without delay,” he said.
Elders from both sides of the border noted the historical ties between the communities and their shared reliance on cross-border movement.
“We have families on both sides. Closing the border has separated us and created unnecessary hardships. Reopening it is not just about trade; it’s about reuniting families,” said elder Suleiman Ibrahim.
Mr. Ahmed Warsame, a community organizer, said that youth-led community organizations want collaboration to be prioritized in addressing security concerns.
“We support the government’s efforts to enhance border security. However, the lack of legal crossing points has only fueled illegal activities. A secure, regulated border will benefit everyone,” he said.
Mrs. Amina Farah said the cross border community suffered a disproportionate impact of the closure on small-scale traders, especially women.
“We used to cross the border to sell goods and bring back essentials. Now, we face endless challenges, including harassment by smugglers and limited opportunities. Reopening the border will restore our dignity,” said Mrs. Amina, a trader who runs a shop along Liboi, along the Kenya-Somalia border.
A phased reopening plan has been in the offing, an initiative by Kenya’s Ministry of Interior and National Administration and Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation of the Somali government.
“The first phase will involve the reopening of Bula Hawa in Mandera within a month, followed by Liboi in two months and Ras Kamboni in Lamu in three months,” a dispatch from the Interior and National Administration and Ministry of Interior read.
With over 680 kilometers of shared land border, Kenya and Somalia are working towards resolving long-standing disputes while fostering mutual cooperation.
The Somali-Kenya border region holds immense potential for business and entrepreneurship, driven by its strategic location and vibrant cross-border trade.
The area is a critical corridor for goods like livestock, textiles, and agricultural produce, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to formalize and expand these exchanges.