The government has stopped the construction of a multi-agency security facility along the Wajir and Marsabit corridor after a boundary dispute between the two counties triggered tension among leaders and residents.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said on Friday that the government agreed to abandon the original site until leaders resolve the dispute peacefully.
Murkomen explained that criminals have increasingly used the corridor to transport illegal firearms, drugs, and trafficked persons. Security agencies first proposed the facility during Jukwaa la Usalama forums to strengthen security operations and improve surveillance in the region.
The Wajir County Security and Intelligence Committee initiated the project, while the Eldas NG-CDF approved funding for the construction. However, leaders and residents from both Wajir and Marsabit County raised concerns over the ownership of the land selected for the facility, sparking disagreements between the two communities.
To ease the tension, the Interior Ministry brought together leaders from both counties for talks aimed at finding a peaceful solution.
After lengthy discussions, the government decided to stop construction and leave the disputed site.
Murkomen said Regional Commissioners John Otieno and Jacob Muganda will lead security teams from the North Eastern and Eastern regions in identifying a new location for the facility in consultation with the National Security Council.
The government also asked local leaders and National Government Administrative Officers to organise public barazas to encourage peace and reduce tension among residents.
Murkomen added that relevant government agencies, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, will handle the boundary dispute alongside other similar disputes across the country.
The Interior Ministry said it plans to fast-track the project once officials agree on a new site and urged residents to remain calm as discussions continue.
