The government has begun assessing the feasibility of opening a new border crossing point at Sololo-Dukale in Marsabit County to promote legitimate trade and strengthen security along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.

Speaking during a multi-agency assessment visit to the area, Kennedy Nyaiyo, Head of the Border Management Secretariat, representing the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, said the team from the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC) was in Marsabit to assess the suitability of establishing the proposed border point.

Nyaiyo said Marsabit’s Kenya-Ethiopia border currently has only one official point of entry at Moyale, which he noted limits the potential for cross-border trade and economic growth.

“Business cannot be conducted effectively through only one border point,” Nyaiyo said, adding that the government was considering establishing another official crossing at Sololo-Dukale to facilitate trade between Kenya and Ethiopia.

He said the proposed border post would promote legitimate cross-border commerce while strengthening government control and security along the border.

Nyaiyo noted that the region has several porous routes that are sometimes used for informal cross-border activities. He said establishing an official border point at Sololo-Dukale would help reduce reliance on such routes and provide a more structured avenue for traders and travelers.

The new crossing, he added, would enable the government to better monitor movements and commercial activities along the border while ensuring that trade is conducted within the law.

Marsabit County Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo said the proposed border point would play an important role in expanding legitimate trade between Kenya and Ethiopia and stimulating economic activity in Marsabit and neighbouring areas.

Gubo said the county government was ready to support efforts to establish the border post and maintain security in the area to create a conducive environment for trade.

He said residents stood to benefit through increased business opportunities, improved livelihoods, and greater economic activity.

Gubo noted that the existing Moyale border point had contributed to economic growth in the region but said the pace of growth remained relatively slow.

“The opening of another border point will provide an opportunity to accelerate economic growth through increased business activities and improved livelihoods for residents,” he said.

The Deputy Governor added that increased cross-border trade would generate additional revenue for the government through taxes and other legitimate charges.

He further said establishing the border post could attract development projects, particularly improvements to roads and other infrastructure needed to support trade and economic activities in the county.

Marsabit Central Deputy County Commissioner Ndambuki Muthike urged residents to support the proposed initiative, saying the new border point would create opportunities for businesses and improve livelihoods among communities living along the border.

The proposed crossing is expected to provide an additional legal route for movement of people and goods between Kenya and Ethiopia, while complementing the existing Moyale border point.

The multi-agency assessment will examine the infrastructure, security, trade, and administrative requirements needed to establish the proposed crossing.

The findings are expected to inform the government’s decision on the feasibility of opening the Sololo-Dukale border point and the measures required before it can become operational.

By Anthony Melly