Garissa: The National Government, through the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC), is developing a national draft policy aimed at addressing the porosity of borders and sealing all illegal entry and exit points.
According to Kenya News Agency, the policy will ensure secure borders by establishing well-coordinated border patrols and guiding the entry and exit of goods and people through gazetted border points. Concerns have been raised over the years about smuggling of drugs and illegal goods such as sugar and powdered milk, human trafficking, and the entry of terrorists into the country through porous borders, which pose risks to national security.
During a meeting with security agencies, immigration, and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officials in Garissa, Kennedy Nyaiyo, the Secretary for the state department for internal security and national administration in charge of border management, emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to secure borders and ensure legitimate trade and travel. He noted that despite closed borders, goods continue to enter through ungazetted routes.
Nyaiyo highlighted the importance of securing borders to facilitate trade and travel, pointing out that many products found in local shops may be entering through porous borders. Rashid Khator, Secretary for Administration in the Ministry of Agriculture, added that the entry of illegal goods disadvantages Kenyan farmers by taking over their market.
Khator urged Kenyans and business people to support local products or those imported through legitimate channels, stressing the need to address smuggling that undermines the market for locally produced goods, including maize and sugar.
Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo stated that local administrators and security agencies are collaborating with partners to improve border management. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with political leaders and local communities, highlighting that border control and safety are shared responsibilities.
Mwabudzo expressed concerns about the consumption of goods from across borders that do not pass through the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), warning of potential safety risks. He called on leaders to address border porosity challenges to prevent future issues.