Border Calm: Kenyan Authorities Dismiss Threat from Jubaland Forces Amid Somalia Clashes

Kenyan authorities have moved to reassure residents of Mandera County that there is no threat to national security despite heightened tensions across the border in Somalia.

The anxiety followed heavy fighting on July 30, 2025, between the Jubaland Security Force (JSF) and the Somalia National Army (SNA) in Bulla Hawa, just meters from Kenya’s frontier.

Although Kenya-aligned JSF fighters were briefly displaced, officials confirmed that no foreign troops entered Kenya with hostile intent.

“There was fighting in Somalia, but it did not extend into Kenya. Our side remains secure, with regular KDF patrols ensuring peace,” said Mandera Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Chepoton.

Local leaders dismissed claims by politicians alleging that JSF fighters had occupied a school in Mandera. Chepoton confirmed that all 68 primary and 68 secondary schools in the county remain open. The head teacher of Border Point One Primary School, Abdul Majid Khalif Mohamed, added that classes have continued uninterrupted since July 26, with police and KDF patrols safeguarding learners.

Residents and traders at the Malka Sufti crossing also reported normal activity. “We are conducting trade as usual,” said businesswoman Halima Ibrahim.

Authorities acknowledged that a small group of JSF fighters may have briefly crossed into Kenya while regrouping during the clashes, but emphasized they quickly returned to Somalia. “We have not encountered JSF on our side of the border,” said Corporal Fredrick Muirigi of the KDF patrol unit.

The JSF, loyal to Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, remains a historic ally of Kenya, credited with supporting the 2011 Operation Linda Nchi against Al Shabaab and helping secure key Somali towns, including Kismayo.

The current conflict stems from a political rift between Madobe and his former security minister, Abdirashid Janaan, who defected to the SNA and is now leading an offensive to seize Bulla Hawa.

Despite the fighting next door, Kenyan officials stressed that Mandera remains calm and secure, with schools, businesses, and cross-border trade continuing uninterrupted.