Kenyan president William Ruto has announced that Kenya will reopen its border with Somalia in Northern Kenya in April 2026.

The Kenya-Somalia border has remained closed since 2011, when President Kibaki’s administration closed it to enhance national security. In 2023, the then Minister of Interior in Kenya, Kithure Kindiki, attempted to reopen the border in phases.

But the plan was suspended in July 2023 after a fresh wave of attacks by security officers and civilians from the al-Shabaab terror group.

Speaking to the residents of Mandera in Northern Kenya during a Nyota fund drive SMES project, President Ruto emphasized that the decision was informed by a high-level intelligence assessment and a strengthened partnership with the federal government of Somalia.

“Security is the foundation of prosperity. we have invested heavily in modern surveillance and elite border patrol units. our officers are ready and our technology is sharper. The border will serve as a bridge for trade,” said President Ruto

The reopening of the Mandera, Liboi, and Kiunga border points is expected to revive the economy and reduce the cost of essential commodities in border towns.