The government has halted the construction of a proposed multi-agency security facility along the Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo road corridor following a dispute over the project site between leaders and residents of Marsabit County and Wajir County.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the decision was reached after a meeting with leaders from the two counties convened to address tensions arising from the contested location.
The Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo corridor has been identified by security agencies as a major route for arms trafficking, narcotics, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes.
Following deliberations by regional security agencies and submissions made during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum, authorities had agreed to establish a multi-agency installation along the corridor to strengthen security coverage.
According to CS Murkomen, the Wajir County Security and Intelligence Committee initiated the process of setting up the facility, with the Eldas NG-CDF approached to fund construction.
The request was approved, but the proposed site later emerged as a contested area between Marsabit and Wajir counties, sparking friction among local leaders and communities.
After lengthy consultations, leaders agreed that construction of the facility should be discontinued and the site abandoned.
The North Eastern and Eastern regional security teams, led by Regional Commissioners John Otieno and Jacob Muganda respectively, have now been tasked with identifying a new site in consultation with the National Security Council.
The government further resolved that the new security facility will be national in nature, reflecting its broader role in addressing cross-border and transnational security threats affecting the region.
Leaders and National Government Administration Officers have also been directed to hold public barazas to ease tensions, promote dialogue, and bring communities together as the matter is addressed.
CS Murkomen said the boundary dispute between Marsabit and Wajir counties, alongside similar disputes across the country, will be handled by relevant government institutions, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
He commended leaders from both counties for their cooperation and for prioritizing peace, safety, and security.
“We wish to assure the residents of the two counties that we shall expedite the establishment of the security facility once a new site has been identified. We call for patience and understanding as the matter is addressed,” Murkomen said.
Leaders from Marsabit who attended the meeting included Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali, Senator Mohamed Chute, County MP Naomi Waqo, Saku MP Dido Raso, and Moyale MP Jaldesa Guyo.
The Wajir delegation included Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Senator Abass Mohamed, County MP Fatuma Jehow, Eldas MP Adan Keynan, Wajir North MP Abdi Saney, Wajir East MP Aden Daudi, Tarbaj MP Hussein Barre, and Wajir West MP Yusuf Farah.
The government says the security installation remains a priority and will proceed once a suitable and non-contested site is identified.