The government has suspended the construction of a proposed multi-agency security installation along the Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo road corridor following tensions linked to a boundary dispute between Marsabit County and Wajir County.
Speaking during a press briefing at Harambee House on Friday, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, said the road corridor had been identified as a major route for arms trafficking, narcotics smuggling, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes, prompting the need for enhanced security operations in the region.
Murkomen noted that security agencies operating in the area, together with submissions made during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum, had agreed on the establishment of a multi-agency security facility to improve surveillance and response along the corridor.
According to the Interior CS, the Eldas National Government Constituencies Development Fund had approved funding for the project after a request by the Wajir County Security and Intelligence Committee.
However, the project sparked disagreement after it emerged that the proposed site lies in a contested area between Marsabit and Wajir counties, triggering friction among leaders and local communities.
To resolve the impasse, Murkomen convened a meeting bringing together leaders from both counties, where several resolutions were reached. The government resolved to immediately discontinue construction works and abandon the contested site.
Regional security teams from North Eastern and Eastern regions, led by Regional Commissioners John Otieno and Jacob Muganda respectively, were tasked with identifying a new location for the facility in consultation with the National Security Council.
Murkomen emphasized that the planned installation would remain a national security facility aimed at protecting residents and combating organized crime along the strategic corridor.
Leaders and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) were also directed to hold public barazas to ease tensions and promote unity among communities in the affected areas.
The Interior CS further stated that the boundary dispute between Marsabit and Wajir counties, alongside similar disputes across the country, would be handled by relevant state institutions, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
