William Ruto announces reopening of border with Somalia after 15 years

NAIROBI — Kenya has announced plans to reopen its border with Somalia after 15 years, marking a major shift in regional security and economic policy.
President William Ruto confirmed the decision, saying the border will reopen in April. The border was originally shut in October 2011 due to rising militant attacks linked to instability in Somalia.
According to regional media reports, the closure followed a series of attacks blamed on the militant group Al-Shabaab, which has carried out several major incidents inside Kenya.
In 2013, militants attacked a shopping centre in Nairobi, killing 67 people. Two years later, another attack targeted a university in Garissa, where 148 people lost their lives.
Officials say reopening the border could help improve trade, movement of people and diplomatic ties between Kenya and Somalia. Analysts say the move could be a chance to turn over a new leaf in relations, though security concerns remain.
Authorities stressed that security monitoring will remain in place to ensure the border reopening does not compromise safety.