Wajir hosts cross-border peace caravan aimed at enhancing security, governance

A peace caravan roadshow aimed at bolstering peace and community engagement in cross-border regions was flagged off on Thursday in Wajir town.

Soumana Ali, the Country Representative for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), who presided over the flagging-off ceremony, highlighted the organisation’s efforts in supporting the Kenyan government to foster better relationships between border communities and state security agencies.

"The goal is to ensure that communities living along the common border maintain a cordial relationship with security agencies. These communities play a vital role in supporting the Kenyan government in community engagement and policing," Soumana said.

Wajir East Deputy County Commissioner George Onyango addressing the media during the flag off event. (Issa Hussein)

He noted that the initiative, supported by the government of Canada, aims to promote effective cross-border governance.

"Kenya shares extended borders with Somalia, Ethiopia, and other East African countries, all of which face security challenges that require the active involvement of border communities," Ali added.

George Onyango, the Wajir East Deputy County Commissioner, praised the local community for their role in reducing the threat of external aggression.

"If the local community had not been sharing vital information with our security forces, the situation could have been much worse. We greatly appreciate their efforts in preserving peace and harmony along the porous border," Onyango stated.

He emphasised the security challenges Kenya faces along its border with Somalia due to terror threats and acknowledged the proactive collaboration between the community and security personnel in mitigating these risks.

Onyango also noted that the peace caravan, in partnership with the state, would help promote cross-border peace and stability. He urged the local community to continue working closely with security forces to overcome the challenges posed by terrorism, which aim to undermine progress and development in the region.