Jubbaland State is seeking fresh trade opportunities through Kenya’s Lamu Port, even as its conflict with the Federal Government of Somalia forces keeps the Mandera border point on edge.
Jubbaland shares a border with Kenya in Mandera, Garissa and Lamu counties.
The Kiunga–Ishakani–Ras Kamboni stretch in Lamu is the smallest but most strategic section, lying close to key Indian Ocean shipping lanes.
However, it remains underutilised due to frequent Al-Shabaab infiltration routes.
A delegation from Jubbaland, led by Trade, Industry and Commerce Minister Ibrahim Yussuf and Information, Culture and Tourism Minister Abdifatah Mohamed Muktar, spent four days in Lamu last week to explore cross-border ties, including the possibility of using Lamu Port for trade.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr Muktar said the visit was about deepening cooperation in trade, culture, tourism and community resilience. They were hosted by Lamu Governor Issa Timamy and regional security officials.
“We are truly humbled by the warm reception we have received from the Governor and the people of Lamu. This hospitality reflects the spirit of brotherhood that binds our two regions, and we look forward to strengthening cooperation in trade and other vital sectors,” Mr Muktar said.
Governor Timamy welcomed the partnership, noting that stronger ties would not only enhance trade and tourism but also foster peace, cohesion and sustainable development.
Security and economic experts said such cross-border engagements are crucial in strengthening regional stability. They argued that closer ties could create a buffer against Al-Shabaab along the porous Kenya–Somalia border.
For more than a decade, communities on both sides of the border have suffered repeated Al-Shabaab raids, leading to deaths, displacement and disruption of livelihoods.
Lamu Port General Manager Abdulaziz Mzee confirmed meeting the Jubbaland delegation and expressed optimism that ongoing anti-terror operations have created relative stability that could unlock trade opportunities.
He added that such cooperation could support the Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) Corridor project, positioning Lamu as a gateway for landlocked neighbours.
Kismayo Port, in Jubbaland’s capital, remains a critical hub for trade and humanitarian shipments, giving the region leverage in regional maritime commerce.
Meanwhile, heavy fighting between Jubbaland forces and Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) troops has been ongoing in the Gedo region since July 21, displacing more than 2,000 refugees into Kenya through Mandera.
Mandera County Police Commander Robinson Ndiwa confirmed that the border crossing remains sealed to prevent Al-Shabaab militants from taking advantage of the chaos.
