Marsabit County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo has categorically denied allegations that border immigration officers in Moyale are illegally issuing travel documents to foreign nationals, insisting the problem stems from a growing document-forging network.
Kitiyo attributed the presence of Ethiopian and Eritrean passports among undocumented migrants to organized crime groups exploiting the Kenya-Ethiopia treaty, which allows visa-free entry for citizens of both nations. He emphasized that officers are not complicit in the scheme, stating, "It is not true that the immigration officers are conniving with the foreigners to aid them in acquiring travel documents."
The commissioner acknowledged an uptick in cross-border migration following the 2018 Ethiopia-Eritrea peace agreement, which eliminated travel restrictions between the two countries. He confirmed police are intensifying border patrols to curb human trafficking and illegal entry, while urging roadblock personnel to conduct thorough vehicle inspections regardless of travelers' status.
Local business leaders in Moyale, however, criticized the increased security measures. Ali Nur Muumin, chairman of the Moyale Chamber of Commerce and Industry, argued that biometric border screening makes large-scale document forgery improbable. He highlighted the logistical strain on trade, noting that a journey from Moyale to Nairobi now takes up to 20 hours due to frequent checkpoints.
