The closure of the Kenya–Somalia border at Liboi has affected livelihoods and slowed economic activity in the wider North Eastern region, local leaders have said.
The leaders have urged the government to fast-track the reopening of the border to allow the movement of goods and traders.
The Kenya–Somalia border was closed between 2011 and 2012 amid insecurity concerns linked to the militant group al-Shabaab.
Efforts to reopen the border in 2023 were shelved following a resurgence of attacks, amid continued security concerns.
The leaders said that despite the official closure, trade has continued through informal and unregulated routes.
They said the situation has denied the government revenue that could have been collected through customs duties, taxes and other levies if trade was conducted through designated border points.
The leaders spoke in Dadaab town during a political rally to drum up support for Garissa governorship candidate Mohamed Shidiye.
They said the continued closure of the border has had economic effects on residents of Garissa and the wider North Eastern region, many of whom rely on cross-border trade as a source of income.
Shidiye said reopening the border would revive trade, particularly in the livestock sector, which he described as a key part of the region’s economy.
“We are requesting the government to reopen the Kenya–Somalia border. The largest livestock market in this region is the Garissa livestock market, and we want to see our communities from across the border engaging in livestock trade and making good use of this market,” Shidiye said.
“Thousands of families, traders, transporters and small businesses have borne the brunt of the closure, leading to reduced incomes, loss of business opportunities, and economic hardship.”
He praised President William Ruto’s administration, saying it has strengthened the region’s relationship with the national government.
“The President has embraced us, brought development to our region and brought us closer to the government. For this reason, we will not abandon him or betray him. We will stand with him,” he said.
Garissa ODM chairman and Dadaab parliamentary aspirant Mohamed Ali Sheikh said reopening the border would restore economic opportunities while enhancing regional integration between Kenya and Somalia.
“Reopening the border will not only restore these economic opportunities but also enhance regional integration and improve the movement of legitimate goods and services. Cross-border trade has historically been a key driver of economic growth in the region, strengthening trade relations between Kenya and Somalia while creating employment and supporting local economies,” he said.
Ali said the ODM leadership in Garissa County had resolved to support Ruto’s re-election bid.
“As a party, we have decided to fully back President William Ruto’s re-election bid. We shall field candidates for all the other elective seats except the presidency,” he said.
He said local leaders had endorsed Shidiye as their preferred candidate for the Garissa governorship.
“As a community, we have unanimously decided to support Mohamed Shidiye as our governorship candidate in the forthcoming general election. We have resolved that we will fully support his bid for the county’s top seat, and we will crisscross the county to seek votes from all communities living in Garissa to ensure he wins,” Ali said.
Dadaab parliamentary aspirant Abdikheir Dubow said Ruto’s administration had made investments that had transformed the North Eastern region.
“Since assuming office, the President has demonstrated a strong commitment to transforming this region through significant investments in infrastructure, security, education, healthcare and other development initiatives that have positively impacted our people,” Dubow said.
He said the leaders would continue supporting the President’s development agenda while urging the government to prioritise reopening the Kenya–Somalia border.
“In recognition of these efforts and the President’s continued commitment to inclusive development, we stand firmly behind his re-election bid and pledge to continue working with his administration to advance the socio-economic transformation of our region and the country.
“However, we respectfully appeal to the President and the national government to consider reopening of the Kenya–Somalia border as a matter of priority. Such a decision will unlock enormous economic potential, empower local communities, increase government revenue and further strengthen the longstanding relationship between Kenya and Somalia,” Dubow said.
The leaders said reopening the Liboi border crossing would help revive cross-border commerce, restore livelihoods for traders, support the livestock sector and strengthen economic cooperation between Kenya and Somalia.
