CS Tuya explains delay in setting up permanent KDF base in Turkana East
Despite the challenges in acquiring the land, Tuya assured the MPs that border security is still being maintained through other means while the base’s establishment is finalised.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has attributed the hold-up in establishing a permanent Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) base in Turkana East to complicated land ownership issues.
On Tuesday, during a session with the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, Tuya said the main challenge is that the targeted land belongs to the local community under communal tenure.
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This requires several layers of approval from different authorities.
“We have faced delays because the land belongs to the community and is held under communal tenure, requiring county government facilitation and National Land Commission processing,” Tuya told the committee.
She added that ongoing talks with the Turkana County Government aim to speed up the land allocation so the military can establish a permanent base to better protect the area from future cross-border attacks.
“Discussions with the Turkana County Government are ongoing to fast-track allocation so that KDF can have a permanent presence and deter future incursions,” Tuya said.
Interim security measures remain active
Despite the challenges in acquiring the land, Tuya assured the MPs that border security is still being maintained through other means while the base’s establishment is finalised.
“Border security is not entirely dependent on land acquisition, but having a permanent base will significantly improve rapid response. In the meantime, we have deployed mobile detachments to strategic points along the border,” she explained.
Tuya highlighted additional actions taken following the Todonyang attack in February 2025, including boosting police units in Turkana East and increasing aerial patrols using helicopters.
“We are committed to increasing military presence and improving rapid response capacity. The security of Kenyans is our top priority, and the Government is taking all necessary measures to prevent recurrence,” she stated.
To strengthen border security further, Tuya said the government has reinforced security posts and improved information-sharing between relevant agencies.
“This is to ensure security operations continue as we finalise the base establishment process,” she told the committee.
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