By Adan Mohamed - Reporter
17 June 2026 - After weeks of extensive meetings, government officials, security agencies, community elders, and peace actors from Kenya and Somalia have agreed on a series of measures aimed at restoring peace and strengthening security cooperation following a cross-border engagement convened in Elwak.
The peace and security meeting comes in response to recent security incidents along the Kenya-Somalia border, including the establishment of illegal roadblocks, extortion of traders, armed confrontations, killings, abductions, and retaliatory attacks involving members of the Garre and Marihan communities.
Both communities noted that the insecurity has resulted in loss of lives, displacement of residents, disruption of cross-border trade and livelihoods, and the temporary closure of several schools in affected areas.
During the engagements stakeholders expressed concern over criminal elements exploiting the porous Kenya-Somalia border to carry out attacks and evade arrest by crossing between the two countries.
They emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation between security agencies and local communities to curb the growing threat.
key resolutions was reached among them being commitment by all stakeholders to support the immediate cessation of hostilities and work towards restoring normalcy in affected areas.
Security agencies also pledged to intensify efforts to track, arrest, and prosecute individuals involved in criminal activities along the border.
The meeting further resolved to strengthen collaboration between Kenyan and Somali authorities through enhanced information sharing and the establishment of a cross-border peace committee comprising administrators, security officers, and community leaders.
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Both communities and stakeholders also endorsed joint security operations and patrols along the border to improve coordination and response to emerging threats.
In addition, they agreed to strengthen early warning and early response mechanisms to facilitate timely interventions and prevent future conflicts.
Community elders, religious leaders, and local peace structures were urged to continue promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence among communities while discouraging retaliatory attacks.
The meeting also called for increased sensitization of security personnel on both sides of the border to ensure adherence to agreed operational procedures and maintain positive relations with local communities.
To address the impact of insecurity on education, communities also pledged support for the safe reopening of schools that had been temporarily closed and committed to ensuring uninterrupted access to learning for children in the border region.
As part of efforts to foster reconciliation, stakeholders agreed to organise a peace caravan bringing together elders, religious leaders, youth representatives, and administrators from Elwak and other affected areas.
The engagement concluded with a broader commitment to sustained cross-border cooperation, community participation, and coordinated security interventions as critical pillars for achieving lasting peace and stability along the Kenya-Somalia border.