The Government suspended the construction of a proposed multi-agency security facility along the Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo road corridor following a dispute over the site identified for the project between Wajir and Marsabit counties.
The corridor has been flagged by security agencies as a major route for arms smuggling, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking and other transnational crimes, prompting calls for enhanced security operations in the region, interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said.
The decision to halt the project was reached during a high-level meeting bringing together political leaders from the two counties after tensions emerged over the ownership of the land earmarked for the facility.
In a joint resolution adopted after lengthy deliberations, the leaders agreed that construction at the contested site be discontinued immediately and the area abandoned pending identification of a new location.
The leaders further resolved that the North Eastern and Eastern regional security teams, led by Regional Commissioners John Otieno and Jacob Muganda respectively, will spearhead the search for a new site in consultation with the National Security Council.
They also agreed that the proposed facility would remain a national security installation and not a county project.
“To ease tensions and foster unity among residents, leaders and National Government Administrative Officers will conduct public barazas across the affected areas,” the resolution stated.
The leaders also directed that the long-standing boundary dispute between Wajir and Marsabit counties be addressed through the relevant government institutions, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
The multi-agency facility had been proposed following consultations by regional security agencies and recommendations made during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum. The Wajir County Security and Intelligence Committee later initiated the process, with the Eldas National Government Constituencies Development Fund agreeing to finance the construction.
Leaders present at the meeting from Marsabit County included Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali, Senator Mohamed Chute, Naomi Waqo, Dido Raso and Jaldesa Guyo.
Those from Wajir County included Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Senator Abass Mohamed, Fatuma Jehow, MPs Adan Keynan, Abdi Saney, Aden Daudi, Hussein Barre and Yusuf Farah.
The leaders commended residents for maintaining calm despite rising tensions and assured the public that the establishment of the security facility would be expedited once a mutually acceptable site is identified.
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