Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has revealed that the establishment of a permanent military base in Turkana East has been delayed due to complex land tenure issues.

Appearing before the Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Tuya explained that the government’s efforts to secure land for the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) base have encountered bureaucratic challenges requiring multiple approvals, as the identified land belongs to the community under communal ownership.

“We have faced delays because the land belongs to the community and is held under communal tenure, requiring county government facilitation and National Land Commission processing,” Tuya told the parliamentary committee.

The CS disclosed that discussions with the Turkana County Government are ongoing to fast-track the land allocation process to enable KDF to establish a permanent presence that would deter future cross-border incursions.

“Discussions with the Turkana County Government are ongoing to fast-track allocation so that KDF can have a permanent presence and deter future incursions,” Tuya stated.

Security measures assurance

Despite the land acquisition challenges, Tuya assured MPs that border security operations are continuing through alternative arrangements while the permanent base establishment process is being finalised.

“Border security is not entirely dependent on land acquisition, but having a permanent base will significantly improve rapid response. In the meantime, we have deployed mobile detachments to strategic points along the border,” she explained.

The Defence CS outlined several immediate security measures implemented following the February 2025 Todonyang massacre, including KDF reinforcement of police units in Turkana East and enhanced aerial surveillance using helicopters.

“We are committed to increasing military presence and improving rapid response capacity. The security of Kenyans is our top priority, and the Government is taking all necessary measures to prevent recurrence,” Tuya stated.

Tuya outlined additional measures taken to strengthen border security, including the reinforcement of border security posts and improved intelligence-sharing mechanisms with relevant agencies.

“This is to ensure security operations continue as we finalise the base establishment process,” the CS assured the committee.