HEADLINES:

Porous Somalia Border Costs Kenya $20M Annually

0
Tuesday July 31, 2018 - 01:51:40 in Daily News by Journalist Bashiir
  • Visits: 3443
  • (Rating 0.0/5 Stars) Total Votes: 0
  • 0 0
  • Share via Social Media

    Porous Somalia Border Costs Kenya $20M Annually

    Porous Somalia Border Costs Kenya $20M Annually

    Share on Twitter Share on facebook Share on Digg Share on Stumbleupon Share on Delicious Share on Google Plus

Porous Somalia Border Costs Kenya $20M Annually
Porous Somalia Border Costs Kenya $20M Annually
 
The closure of the Kenya-Somalia border in Mandera at the height of insecurity five years ago could be costing the country at least Ksh2 billion ($20 million) annually, as smugglers have a field day sneaking substandard goods in and out the country.

The Kenya Revenue Authority, immigration and Kenya Bureau of Standards offices at the border post are deserted, with the walls dotted with bullet holes.
 
This has allowed smuggling to thrive, with local traders saying the goods from Mogadishu and Kismayu ports are relatively cheaper since they are not taxed and their quality is not tested.
 
The porous border is 360 kilometres long, and efforts by the Kenya government to stop movements between the two countries have not borne fruit. A border wall meant to curb insecurity is still under construction.
 
The border post, which was built in 1981 and "rehabilitated in 2009” is home to goats and dogs. The staff quarters for Customs officials are also deserted by non-locals due to fear of raids by Al Shabaab fighters.
 
According to Mandera Governor Ali Roba, the country is losing at least Ksh 2 billion ($20 million) per year due to unregulated cross-border business, that also exposes the country to importation of contrabands.

"If this border was open, we could control quality and also get revenue for the national government and county government,” said Mr Roba.
 
On the Kenya-Ethiopia Suftu border, it is a different story. River Dawa is busy as traders transport their goods on rafts.
 
Kenyan traders transport bottled water, sugar and timber to Ethiopia, while Ethiopians transport onions, cement and other farm produce to Mandera, where distributors transport them to other parts of the country including Nairobi.
 
Unlike the Kenya-Somalia border, Mandera County revenue officers collect revenue from traders.
 
Traders using donkey carts part with Ksh500 ($5) to be cleared by county revenue officers to access markets in Mandera town.

 
Hassan Mohamed, a local trader says the cross-border business is a source of revenue and offers employment to the youth who ride the rafts across River Dawa.
 
The goods from Ethiopia are also cheaper. For example, a bag of cement costs Ksh800 ($8) compared with Ksh 1,200 ($12) for the same amount produced in Kenya.
Share on Social Media

UK Issues Advisory on Mandatory E-Visas for Travel to Somalia

The Government of the United Kingdom has issued new guidance to its citizens regarding travel to Somalia, stating that British passport holders are now required to obtain an Electronic Visa (E-Visa) prior to traveling to Mogadishu or any other part of Somalia. According to the advisory, E-Visas are mandatory for all travelers heading to Mogadishu, and even those transiting through or traveling to Hargeisa may be asked to present an entry visa at departure points. Full Article

 

Somalia: Official Report: Construction of Hobyo Port Officially Begins

Hobyo, Galmudug The long-anticipated construction of Hobyo Port has officially commenced, marking a major step forward for trade, investment, and maritime infrastructure in Galmudug State and Somalia at large. The project is being executed by a prominent Turkish construction company, whose team of experienced engineers has arrived in Hobyo to oversee and lead the implementation of the port development. Full Article

 

Somalia: Galmudug Minister of Commerce Arrives in Hobyo

Hobyo, Mudug The Minister of Commerce of the Galmudug State Government, Abdi Jama Keyse, arrived today in the coastal city of Hobyo, Mudug region. His visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen trade and economic development in the region, particularly around the strategic Hobyo Port. Full Article

 

Somalia's Political Cycle of Betrayal: From Mubarak to Saacid – History Repeats Itself

By Dahir Alasow | Investigative Journalist In the Middle East and Africa, politics has often been a theater of betrayal — where allies turn against each other, and power devours its own makers. The stories of Egypt's Hosni Mubarak, Mohamed Morsi, and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi mirror a political pattern that is now re-emerging in Somalia. Full Article

 

Union for National Dignity: Inside Somalia's New Political Power Bloc Ahead of 2026 Elections

By Dahir Alasow – Investigative Journalist, Waagacusub Media Mogadishu | Waagacusub.net | November 2025 A new political alliance is taking shape in Somalia as nine influential political figures — drawn from different parties, civic movements, and government backgrounds — have united under one banner known as the Union for National Dignity (Midowga Haybad Qaran). The coalition, announced through a joint press statement in Mogadishu, aims to create a unified political front capable of "restoring national cohesion, governance integrity, and public confidence in Somalia's democracy." Full Article

 

Somalia to Launch Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) System – A New Era of Airspace Control and Passenger Surveillance

By Dahir Alasow Investigative Journalist – Waagacusub.net The Federal Government of Somalia is preparing to implement a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system that will digitally control all passenger movements entering or departing Somalia — including flights through Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Garowe, and Bosaso international airports. According to official documents obtained by Inside Somalia, the system will become fully operational on 27 November 2025, marking one of the most significant aviation security reforms in Somalia's modern history. Full Article

 

Building the Future of Somalia's Coastline - Waagacusub Real Estate

Waagacusub Real Estate is proud to announce the development of new modern residential communities across Somalia's most beautiful coastal regions, including Jazeera Beach, Ceel Macaan, and Hobyo City. These vibrant new neighborhoods, collectively known as Waagacusub Village, are designed to redefine seaside living while promoting sustainable urban growth and investment opportunities in Somalia. Full Article

 

Somalia: Clan Divisions Surface as Jacob Frey Wins Third Term in Minneapolis Mayoral Race

Tensions, celebrations, and disappointment have swept across Somali social media circles following the fiercely contested Minneapolis mayoral election, where the race took on deep clan and community undertones among the city's large Somali diaspora. Full Article

 

ICG Calls on EU to Step In and Resolve Somalia's Election Deadlock

The International Crisis Group (ICG) has urged the European Union (EU) to play a more proactive role in ending Somalia's escalating political standoff, warning that prolonged instability could undo years of fragile progress and allow Al-Shabab to regain strength. Full Article

 

Alasow Medical Center provides a complete support system for patients traveling from Somalia to India for medical treatment

Alasow Medical Center – Overview Alasow Medical Center is a specialized medical facilitation organization that supports Somali patients seeking treatment in India. The center operates under the vision of improving access to quality healthcare for Somali citizens through professional guidance, affordable assistance, and compassionate care. Full Article

 


Leave a comment

  Tip

  Tip

  Tip

  Tip

  Tip


Ethiopia Strengthens Gulf Ties: Somali-Region Diplomat Jamal Bakar Named Ambassador to UAE

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a move highlighting Ethiopia's growing focus on Gulf partnerships, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed Ambassador Jamal Bakar, a senior diplomat from the Somali Regional State, as the country's new Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Union for National Dignity: Inside Somalia's New Political Power Bloc Ahead of 2026 Elections

By Dahir Alasow – Investigative Journalist, Waagacusub Media Mogadishu | Waagacusub.net | November 2025 A new political alliance is taking shape in Somalia as nine influential political figures — drawn from different parties, civic movements, and government backgrounds — have united under one banner known as the Union for National Dignity (Midowga Haybad Qaran). The coalition, announced through a joint press statement in Mogadishu, aims to create a unified political front capable of "restoring national cohesion, governance integrity, and public confidence in Somalia's democracy."

Somalia: Clan Divisions Surface as Jacob Frey Wins Third Term in Minneapolis Mayoral Race

Tensions, celebrations, and disappointment have swept across Somali social media circles following the fiercely contested Minneapolis mayoral election, where the race took on deep clan and community undertones among the city's large Somali diaspora.

D66 Triumphs in Dutch Elections as Far-Right Support Collapses

A new political era emerges in the Netherlands after a centrist victory led by Rob Jetten. Breda (Waagacusub.net) – The Netherlands' 2025 general election has reshaped the country's political landscape, with the liberal-centrist party Democrats 66 (D66) emerging as the clear winner. Led by Rob Jetten, D66 secured a decisive victory over far-right rival Geert Wilders and his Party for Freedom (PVV), whose support dropped sharply across the nation.

Somali Activist Group Calls for Swiss Investigation into TikTok Influencer "Khalid Mula"

The Somali-led watchdog organization Solda Safety Network has filed a formal request with Swiss authorities to investigate Mohamed Mohamud, a Somali national living in Lausanne who is known on TikTok as "Khalid Mula."

President of Uganda Warns: "If We Don't Get Sea Access, There Will Be War"

A diplomatic rift has emerged between Kenya and Uganda — two key East African nations — following strong public remarks by Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni regarding maritime access and regional integration. Speaking at a public rally in late October, Museveni declared that "Uganda is going to enter the Indian Ocean via Kenya," a statement that raised alarms and triggered widespread debate over the implications for regional stability and sovereignty. Full Article

 

UK Issues Advisory on Mandatory E-Visas for Travel to Somalia

The Government of the United Kingdom has issued new guidance to its citizens regarding travel to Somalia, stating that British passport holders are now required to obtain an Electronic Visa (E-Visa) prior to traveling to Mogadishu or any other part of Somalia. According to the advisory, E-Visas are mandatory for all travelers heading to Mogadishu, and even those transiting through or traveling to Hargeisa may be asked to present an entry visa at departure points. Full Article

 

Somalia: Official Report: Construction of Hobyo Port Officially Begins

Hobyo, Galmudug The long-anticipated construction of Hobyo Port has officially commenced, marking a major step forward for trade, investment, and maritime infrastructure in Galmudug State and Somalia at large. The project is being executed by a prominent Turkish construction company, whose team of experienced engineers has arrived in Hobyo to oversee and lead the implementation of the port development. Full Article

 

Somalia: Galmudug Minister of Commerce Arrives in Hobyo

Hobyo, Mudug The Minister of Commerce of the Galmudug State Government, Abdi Jama Keyse, arrived today in the coastal city of Hobyo, Mudug region. His visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen trade and economic development in the region, particularly around the strategic Hobyo Port. Full Article

 

Trump To Sue BBC World Service for $1 Billion Over Panorama Broadcast

London – November 15, 2025 BBC World Service has failed to fully comply with three demands issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump, following allegations that the broadcaster's Panorama program distorted a 2021 speech and damaged his public image. According to Trump's legal team, the three conditions were: Full Article

 

Hormuud telecom and Al-Shabaab's Strategy of Destroying Mobile Communication Masts

Hormuud's Assault on African Peacekeepers Figure 14: African Peace Keepers Hormuud launched a scorching public campaign against the Kenyan military forces in AMISOM in late August 2019. Full Article

 

Former Intel official stripped from NISA membership

Former Intel official stripped from NISA membership Full Article

 

PM KHEYRE USELESS AND COSTY OVERSEAS TRIPS.

PM KHEYRE USELESS AND COSTY OVERSEAS TRIPS. Full Article

 

Abiy says 'New Year' will be celebrated in Eritrea, Ethiopian Airlines to resume flights

Abiy says 'New Year' will be celebrated in Eritrea, Ethiopian Airlines to resume flights Full Article

 

Massive rise in Islamist militant attacks in Africa

Massive rise in Islamist militant attacks in Africa Full Article