Reopening of Kenya-Somalia border suspended due to terrorism surge

The planned re-opening of the Kenya-Somalia border at Garissa has been delayed due to a recent surge in terrorism.

Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said that the state was prioritising national security above any other consideration and it was necessary to arrest rising cross-border crimes.

"The government will delay the planned reopening of Kenya-Somalia border points until we conclusively deal with the recent spate of terror attacks and cross-border crime," he said during a visit to Garissa.

Northeastern region and parts of the Coast have been experiencing increased terror attacks by al Shabaab.

Kenya had announced reopening of the border in May after extensive consultations between Kindiki and Somalia's security minister. This was to reverse the closure policy enacted in 2011 after militants infiltrated Kenya and staged numerous attacks.

Kindiki said the state was procuring more sophisticated weapons and artillery to help them to defend themselves and forestall attacks.

"We are at an advanced stage in procuring Mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, APCs, night vision and other sophisticated equipment for our security officers. As a government, under the leadership of President William Ruto, we are convinced that it is a worthy investment to secure our country."

Kindiki also announced that the management of refugees in the country will be centralised, and that hostility against refugees by state agents would be minimised.

"We will do our best to help them. However, there are a few criminal elements who will not be allowed to hurt the interests of bona fide refugees and the host communities."