Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omolo has confirmed that the National Security Council (NSC) has ratified the reopening of the Kenya–Somalia border for cross-border trade, specifically to facilitate the transportation of miraa.
In a letter responding to an inquiry dated January 13, 2026, PS Omolo clarified that the decision followed requests seeking confirmation on the status of the border, including appeals made on behalf of miraa traders. The correspondence confirms that the move was approved at the highest level of the country’s security leadership.
“This is in reference to your letter dated January 13, 2026, requesting confirmation on whether the Kenya–Somalia border is reopened, and a similar request made on behalf of miraa traders,” read part of the official letter.
According to Omolo, the National Security Council Committee ratified the reopening of the border at designated entry points to allow controlled cross-border trade. The approved points include Mandera, Liboi, and Kiunga.
He emphasized that the reopening is strictly limited to the transportation of miraa by road into Somalia, underscoring that the decision was made with security considerations in mind. Authorities will continue to monitor movement along the border to ensure compliance with the approved framework.
The decision is expected to bring relief to miraa traders, particularly in northern Kenya, who have faced significant losses due to prolonged border closures. It also signals a cautious step toward restoring economic activity along the Kenya–Somalia frontier while maintaining heightened security oversight.