This archive report was first published on 20 June 2020.
Kenya's national government is set to reopen the Lamu section of the Kenya-Somalia border, paving the way for large-scale fishermen and traders to resume cross-border trade.
As of June 20, 2020, the government had closed the border with Somalia, including the Kiunga cross-border point in Lamu, to block routes used by smugglers, terrorists, and human traffickers.
Lamu County Commissioner Irungu Macharia revealed plans to allow fishermen and traders, particularly those dealing in miraa, to resume their cross-border trade despite the border remaining closed.
Mr. Macharia acknowledged the economic impact of the ban on cross-border trade, citing complaints from fishermen and business owners, as well as the collapse of fishing and tourism sectors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He announced that the county security committee, county government leadership, and stakeholders will convene a meeting to explore a way forward that could see fishermen and traders allowed to cross into Somalia under strict rules.
Additionally, the government has issued special passes to Lamu fishermen conducting activities during Covid-19 curfew hours.
Mr. Macharia emphasized that the border is indeed closed and that those allegedly crossing into Somalia are simply smugglers taking advantage of the porous border.
He stated, 'We're planning as the county security committee to convene a meeting with the county leadership and other stakeholders so as to look into the best possible way to go about this.'
