Historic Re-Opening of Kenya-Somalia Border After 15 Years

Thu Feb 12 2026 23:58:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Kenya's border with Somalia is set to re-open in April, marking a significant shift in relations after nearly 15 years of closure due to security concerns related to al-Shabab attacks.

In a landmark decision, President William Ruto announced the planned re-opening of the Kenya-Somalia border in April 2026, almost 15 years after it was closed due to fears of attacks from the Islamist group al-Shabab. The border's reopening aims to boost cross-border trade and reconnect communities divided by the long-standing closure, which has severely impacted commerce and familial ties. Ruto emphasized enhanced security measures to ensure safety in the region, resonating with his commitment to combat terrorism and improve the livelihood of border communities.

Historic Re-Opening of Kenya-Somalia Border After 15 Years

Kenya's border with Somalia will re-open in April, almost 15 years after it shut due to attacks by the Islamist militant group al-Shabab, President William Ruto has announced.

The militant group, based in Somalia, has orchestrated a number of deadly attacks in Kenya, including the infamous assault on the Westgate Shopping Centre in Nairobi in 2013, which killed 67 people, and the massacre at Garissa University two years later, claiming 148 lives.

Previously, plans to reopen the border were announced in 2023, but ongoing security challenges delayed these arrangements.

President Ruto highlighted that the decision to open two crossings follows extensive security assessments, reassuring that a significant deployment of security forces will accompany the re-opening to maintain safety.

Additionally, there are ongoing concerns about the smuggling of illicit weapons and goods across the border.

The announcement was made during Ruto's visit to Mandera, a border town populated largely by ethnic Somalis. He expressed that it is unacceptable for residents to remain isolated from their counterparts in Somalia due to the prolonged closure, emphasizing the need to reconnect families and foster trade.

Ruto stated on social media, It is unacceptable that fellow Kenyans in Mandera remain cut off from their kin and neighbours in Somalia due to the prolonged closure of the Mandera Border Post. He aims to boost cross-border trade for the mutual prosperity of our people.\

In rallying the community of Mandera, he urged residents to join the fight against al-Shabab, asserting his commitment to security and collaboration against terrorist threats.

In addition to the previous attacks on Westgate and Garissa University, al-Shabab has also been involved in other notorious incidents, like the killing of 28 bus passengers in Mandera County in 2014 and a hotel siege in Nairobi five years later that resulted in 21 fatalities.

In light of these threats, Kenya initiated the construction of a perimeter fence along the 700km (435 miles) border with Somalia in 2015, a project which was later put on hold after three years.