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| CS National Administration and Interior, Kipchumba Murkomen addresses the media during a press briefing at the Ministry of Interior and National Administration headquarters in Nairobi on May 15, 2026. |
Kip hum a headquartein Nairobi on May 15, 2026.
The government has suspended construction of a proposed multi-agency security installation along the Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo road corridor following a boundary dispute between Wajir and Marsabit counties.
In a press statement issued Friday, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the decision was reached after consultations involving leaders from the two counties and security officials.
Murkomen said the Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo road corridor had been identified as a major route for transnational crimes including arms trafficking, narcotics trade and human trafficking, prompting security agencies to propose establishment of a multi-agency security facility in the area.
“The Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo road corridor has been identified as a major conduit for arms, narcotics, human trafficking and other transnational crimes,” said Murkomen.
He noted that deliberations by regional security agencies and submissions made during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum had led to consensus on establishing the facility to strengthen security coverage along the corridor.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the Wajir County Security and Intelligence Committee had initiated the process of setting up the installation, with the Eldas National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) approving funding for its construction.
However, Murkomen said disagreements later emerged after it became apparent that the proposed site was located in an area contested by Wajir and Marsabit counties.
“The area identified for the construction of the facility is contested between Marsabit and Wajir counties and has since caused friction between leaders and residents of the two counties,” he stated.
Following a meeting bringing together leaders from both counties, the government resolved to discontinue construction works at the disputed site and abandon the location altogether.
Murkomen said regional security teams from North Eastern and Eastern regions, led respectively by Regional Commissioners John Otieno and Jacob Muganda, had been tasked with identifying an alternative site for the project in consultation with the National Security Council.
“That the construction of the facility be discontinued and the site abandoned,” the Cabinet Secretary stated while outlining resolutions reached during the meeting.
He added that the new facility would remain national in nature despite the relocation process.
The government also directed leaders and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) to hold public barazas aimed at easing tensions and fostering peaceful coexistence between residents of the affected counties.
Murkomen further said the longstanding boundary dispute between Wajir and Marsabit counties, alongside similar disputes across the country, would be handled by relevant government institutions including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“That the determination of the boundary dispute between Wajir and Marsabit counties, alongside other similar disputes nationwide, be handled by the relevant government institutions, including IEBC,” he said.
The Interior CS commended leaders from both counties for prioritizing peace and security during the consultations.
“I commend the leaders for their wisdom and cooperation, and for putting the safety, peace and security of their people first,” said Murkomen.
He assured residents that the government would fast-track establishment of the security installation once a suitable site had been identified.
“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,” he added.
Murkomen also appealed for patience and understanding from the affected communities as the matter continues to be addressed.
Leaders who attended the consultations from Marsabit County included Governor Mohamud Mohamed Ali, Senator Mohamed Chute, County MP Naomi Waqo, Saku MP Dido Raso and Moyale MP Jaldesa Guyo.
Representing Wajir County were Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, Senator Abbas Mohamed, Wajir County Woman Representative 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.
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