Shidiye Commits to Campaign for Kenya–Somalia Border Reopening | Dawan Africa

July 13, 2026 – Garissa County gubernatorial aspirant Mohamed Shidiye has pledged to champion the reopening of the Kenya–Somalia border, saying the move would revive cross-border trade.

Speaking during a political rally, the former Botswana Ambassador said the move will create economic opportunities and strengthen long-standing commercial ties between communities on both sides of the frontier.

The former Lagdera Member of Parliament said if elected he will talk to the President to have the border reopened, since insecurity brought about by the Al-Shabaab menace has gone down.

Shidiye also pledged to build the largest livestock market in Dadaab, similar to Garissa town, with livestock coming all the way from Somalia and Ethiopia.

He said reopening the border would boost livelihoods by facilitating the movement of goods and traders between the two neighbouring countries.

There have been growing calls to have the Kenya–Somalia border reopened, with locals arguing that the border is only closed on paper but goods are freely smuggled, which has created unnecessary tensions.

At the same time, Shidiye called for support for President William Ruto’s re-election, saying he has heavily invested in Northeastern Kenya and deserved to serve another term.