Kenya to build security wall along border with Somalia

The Kenyan government has begun constructing a security wall along its border with Somalia to curb cross-border incursions by Somali Al-Shabaab militants.
Director of Immigration Services Gordon Kihalangwa, who officially broke the ground in Mandera late on Monday, urged the locals to support the project which he said would help prevent Al Shabaab militants from crossing into Kenya.
Kihalangwa said the wall would run from Mandera in the north to Kiunga in the east coast, covering Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Lamu counties. According to him the purpose of the wall was to demarcate the Kenya-Somalia border besides securing the country from Al Shabaab militants, adding that the government was doing everything possible to sensitise members of the public on the importance of the wall.
“The project is fully funded by the government with relevant government departments chipping in — the ministry of transport, the National Youth Service and Kenya Defence Forces have given their support to this noble task,” he said. “We will ensure that our borders are secure by preventing illegal immigrants and proliferation of small arms into the country.”
Kihalangwa said the wall would not bar cross-border movement, adding that there would be designated points for exit and entry into the country. He revealed that machinery, equipment and materials for the construction are already on the ground.