Kenyan Health Secretary Supports Reopening Border with Somalia to Enhance Trade

Nairobi, Kenya - Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has supported plans to reopen the border between Kenya and Somalia, stating that the action would enhance trade and facilitate the movement of people and goods between the two countries. Duale made the remarks over the weekend, noting that cross-border activities have continued informally despite the official closure.

He stated that a formal reopening would enable the government to collect revenue from these activities. >"We must make a decision as a Government why the border between Kenya and Somalia is closed and it is not closed. A lot of movement and goods go across the border.

The Government could have collected good revenue," Duale said.

The Kenya-Somalia border was officially closed in 2011 due to security concerns related to the militant group Al-Shabaab. Efforts to reopen the border in phases began in 2023 but were halted following renewed militant activity. In 2024, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo stated that the closure would remain in place amid ongoing security operations.

Duale's comments follow an announcement by the President during a recent visit to Mandera County, where plans were confirmed to reopen key border points. The President stated that reopening crossings in Mandera and Garissa counties is expected to revive cross-border trade and allow traders from both countries to operate more freely.

The government has recently allowed limited cross-border activities, such as exports of miraa, as initial steps toward a full reopening. Cross-border trade serves as a key economic driver in northern Kenya.