Duale calls for Kenya-Somalia border reopening over smuggling
By Kenneth Mwenda, May 4, 2026Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has urged the government to reopen the Kenya–Somalia border, saying the current closure has failed to stop illegal trade and is costing the country revenue.
Speaking in Garissa on Sunday, May 3, 2026, during a graduation ceremony at Madrasa tul Manar, Duale said the border remains active despite being officially shut. He argued that the situation allows smuggling to thrive while denying the government tax income.
“We must make a decision why the border between Kenya and Somalia is closed, and it is not closed; it is only closed on paper. A lot of movement of goods goes across the border,” he said.
Duale made the remarks after local leaders asked him to push for the reopening of the crossing points. He said formalising trade would help authorities monitor goods and people moving between the two countries.
The Cabinet Secretary said reopening the border would improve revenue collection and bring order to cross-border business. He added that proper regulation would also help security agencies track movement more effectively.
Duale noted that President William Ruto has already backed plans to reopen parts of the border. He pointed to existing infrastructure at Mandera and Liboi, saying the facilities could support controlled movement once operations resume. He also said Kenya has engaged Somalia to improve infrastructure on the other side.
Security concerns delay reopening
The Kenya–Somalia border has remained largely closed since 2011, when Kenya sent troops into Somalia to fight the militant group al-Shabab. The government cited security concerns, including attacks and the smuggling of weapons, as reasons for maintaining the closure.
In February 2026, President Ruto announced plans to reopen sections of the border after years of security assessments. He said the move would not compromise safety and promised increased deployment of security personnel to manage the crossings.
Despite the closure, illegal trade has continued. Duale said smugglers have taken advantage of weak enforcement to move goods across the border without paying taxes. He warned that the government is losing significant revenue as a result.
Residents in border areas have raised mixed reactions. Some support reopening, saying it will improve livelihoods and allow families to reconnect across the border. Others have expressed concern about security operations, accusing authorities of harassment and heavy-handed tactics in the fight against smuggling.
Reports of recent deaths linked to police crackdowns have also caused tension among local communities. Traders say they want clear rules and designated entry points to avoid conflict with security agencies.