Local leaders in Kenya’s North Eastern region have called on the government to reopen the Kenya–Somalia border at Liboi, arguing that the prolonged closure has hurt livelihoods, slowed economic activity and deprived the government of revenue.
The border was closed between 2011 and 2012 because of security concerns linked to the Islamist militant group al-Shabaab. Plans to reopen the crossing in 2023 were postponed following a renewed wave of attacks.
Speaking at a political rally in Dadaab organised to support Garissa governorship aspirant Mohamed Shidiye, the leaders said the continued closure had forced traders to rely on informal and unregulated routes for cross-border commerce.
They argued that reopening the official crossing would enable the government to collect customs duties, taxes and other levies that are currently being lost through unofficial trade channels.
Mr Shidiye said reopening the border would stimulate economic activity, particularly in the livestock sector, which he described as the backbone of the region’s economy.
“We are requesting the government to reopen the Kenya–Somalia border,” he said. “The largest livestock market in this region is the Garissa livestock market, and we want to see our communities from across the border engaging in livestock trade and making good use of this market.”
He said thousands of families, traders, transport operators and small businesses had suffered reduced incomes and lost business opportunities as a result of the border closure.
Mr Shidiye also praised President William Ruto’s administration, saying it had strengthened ties between the national government and communities in North Eastern Kenya.
Garissa ODM chairman and Dadaab parliamentary aspirant Mohamed Ali Sheikh said reopening the border would restore economic opportunities while strengthening regional integration between Kenya and Somalia.
“Cross-border trade has historically been a key driver of economic growth in the region, strengthening trade relations between Kenya and Somalia while creating employment and supporting local economies,” he said.
Mr Ali also announced that ODM leaders in Garissa County had resolved to support President Ruto’s re-election bid while fielding candidates for all other elective positions.
He said local leaders had endorsed Mr Shidiye as their preferred candidate for the Garissa governorship in the next general election.
Dadaab parliamentary aspirant Abdikheir Dubow said the government had made significant investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and security in North Eastern Kenya.
While expressing support for President Ruto’s development agenda, Mr Dubow urged the government to prioritise reopening the Liboi border crossing.
He said doing so would unlock economic opportunities, increase government revenue, revive cross-border trade and strengthen long-standing economic ties between Kenya and Somalia.
The leaders said reopening the border would help restore livelihoods, support the livestock sector and promote legitimate trade between the two neighbouring countries while improving economic cooperation across the region.
