Nairobi: Kenya is nearing the completion of a significant border reaffirmation agreement with Tanzania, with more than 558 kilometers of the 758-kilometer shared boundary already marked. The initiative, which began in 2021, seeks to clarify the international border between the two countries, aiming to eliminate ambiguities and promote peaceful coexistence.
According to Kenya News Agency, Deputy Head of Public Service Amos N. Gathecha, who led a high-level government delegation to inspect the progress, praised the multi-agency team leading the effort. He described the task as a crucial assignment for both the government and the people of Kenya. Gathecha visited sections of the border extending from Lake Jipe to Lake Chala and highlighted the diplomatic and security implications of the mission. He noted, "This is a collaborative effort between Kenya and Tanzania; once we finish, Presidents of the two countries will be able to sign an agreement to say that now the boundary is confirmed and we have no disputes."
More than 80 officers from the Ministry of Lands, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Immigration, and other agencies are involved in the exercise. Gathecha expressed optimism that the remaining 100 kilometers, including sections through lakes, could be completed by the year's end, enabling the heads of state to finalize the agreement.
Standing beside the newly marked pillars, Gathecha emphasized the importance of international boundaries, asserting they define the extent of a country and are critical for reaffirmation efforts. He urged local communities to safeguard the pillars, emphasizing their role as symbols of national sovereignty. Gathecha assured field officers of his intention to advocate for additional funding and recognition for their work.
Juster Nkoroi, Head of the Kenya International Boundaries Office (KIBO), praised the dedication and patriotism of officers working in challenging conditions. She noted, "These officers have been sleeping in the bush for the last month. They are walking hills, encountering snakes and wildlife, but they've displayed nationalism and love for their country." Nkoroi stressed that the reaffirmation project transcends politics, defining Kenya's identity and emphasizing the nation's importance as a homeland.
She clarified misconceptions about border operations, reassuring that marking the border would not limit cross-border interactions and urging communities to maintain the vista for maintenance purposes. Technically, Nkoroi noted that around 100 kilometers of land marking remain, with 42 kilometers in water bodies like Lake Jipe requiring different approaches.
Surveyor Martin Dang'ana, from the Ministry of Lands, highlighted logistical challenges in transporting materials and constructing boundary pillars in difficult terrain. He emphasized the importance of involving local communities in the process, stating that engaging them in casual work creates a sense of ownership and protection for the pillars.
Major General John Nkoimo of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) confirmed the military's central role in the exercise, offering logistical and technical support to ensure the mission's efficiency and security. The reaffirmation of the Kenya-Tanzania boundary is a national project intertwining law, diplomacy, and identity, with over 6,000 concrete pillars constructed since the project's inception. Upon completion, the project will culminate in a joint agreement signing by Presidents William Ruto and Samia Suluhu Hassan, symbolizing cooperation, stability, and shared history between Kenya and Tanzania.