The government has halted the construction of a proposed multi-agency security installation along the Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo road corridor.
This decision comes amid escalating tensions over a boundary dispute between Wajir and Marsabit counties.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced Friday that the conclusion was reached after a high-level meeting involving leaders from both counties aimed at reducing growing friction sparked by the planned security facility.
The corridor has been identified by security agencies as a major route for arms trafficking, narcotics smuggling, human trafficking, and other forms of transnational crime.
In a statement, Murkomen noted that security agencies had previously agreed on the necessity of establishing a multi-agency security base along the stretch to enhance surveillance and improve responses to criminal activities.
“The Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo road corridor has been identified as a major conduit for arms, narcotics, human trafficking and other transnational crimes,” Murkomen stated.
He mentioned that consultations through the Jukwaa la Usalama forums and regional security meetings had recommended establishing the facility to boost security operations in the area.
The Eldas National Government Constituencies Development Fund had already approved funding for the project following a request by the Wajir County Security and Intelligence Committee.
However, the proposed location for the facility triggered a dispute after it emerged that the area is contested by residents and leaders from Wajir and Marsabit counties.
The disagreement intensified into political tension, compelling the government to intervene before the situation deteriorated.
Following extensive deliberations chaired by Murkomen, leaders from the two counties agreed to abandon the disputed site and allow security teams to identify an alternative location.
“We resolved that the construction of the facility be discontinued and the site abandoned,” Murkomen confirmed.
He indicated that regional security teams from North Eastern and Eastern regions, led by regional commissioners John Otieno and Jacob Muganda respectively, would identify a new location in consultation with the National Security Council.
“The facility will be national in nature and meant to serve all Kenyans without favor to any county or community,” Murkomen emphasized.
The Interior CS also directed leaders and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) to organize public barazas to ease tensions and promote peaceful coexistence among communities living along the border area.
“We call upon residents to remain calm, patient and understanding as the government addresses the matter,” he urged.
Murkomen further stated that the long-standing boundary dispute between Wajir and Marsabit counties, along with similar disputes nationwide, would be addressed by relevant state institutions, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
“I commend the leaders for their wisdom, cooperation and for putting the peace, safety and security of their people first,” he added.
Leaders present from Marsabit county included Governor Mohamud Ali, Senator Mohamed Chute, County MP Amina Waqo, Saku MP Dido Raso and Moyale MP Jaldesa Guyo.
Wajir leaders who attended included Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Senator Abass Mohamed, County MP Fatuma Jehow, Eldas MP Adan Keynan, Wajir North MP Abdi Saney, Wajir East MP Aden Daudi and Tarbaj MP Hussein Barre.
The government stated it would expedite the establishment of the security installation once a mutually agreed site is identified.