Kenya to resume construction of security wall along Somali border

Kenya confirmed Sunday it will resume construction of the security wall along its border with Somalia to help curb cross border incursions by Al-Shabaab militants.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery said the building of the 700km wall on the Kenya-Somalia border from Mandera in northeast Kenya to Kiunga in the coast will keep out the Al-Shabaab elements from infiltrating the county from Somalia as well as bar unwanted persons from illegally getting into the country.

"This fence will help us check on people like Al-Shabaab from crossing to and from Somalia. We will not limit movement of other people," he said when he met group of Marehan clan leaders who are in Nairobi to discuss security issues.

Kenyan officials say the security wall whose construction stalled due to lack of funds, will provide a long term security efforts to secure the border, adding that once the wall's construction is completed, it will only be crossed by entering through the appropriate border points.

The Islamist group has carried out series of deadly attacks in northeast Kenya and other towns, including the capital city of Nairobi since the East African country sent its military into Somalia in 2011 to fight the Al-Qaida linked group.

Mandera town is situated at the Somali border and stretches for about 20km from Border Point One, making it prone to frequent terrorist attacks.

Nkaissery assured the Marehan clan which lives along the border with Ethiopia and Somalia in Mandera County the fence will not deter or limit the movement of other people from and to Somalia as perceived.

He said there will be entry points with immigration officers at Mandera, Elwak, Liboi and other areas down to Lamu to screen those getting in and out of the country.

Nkaissery said designated border points will have police posts, Kenya Revenue Authority officers and other government offices to provide vital services.

Nkaissery urged for continued support from local clans and especially the Marehan group for both countries to achieve security and stability.

Source: XINHUA