Mandera’s security and education officials have confirmed that no foreign Jubaland troops are operating in the area, assuring residents that local safety remains secure.
This follows alarming statements from Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, who cautioned that the presence of foreign forces could pose a threat to national security.
The concerns arose after clashes erupted on July 30, 2025, between Jubaland Security Forces and the Somalia National Army (SNA) in Bulla Hawa, just across the border.
Speaking to the Media, Mandera Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Chepoton said that while fighting occurred in Somalia, it did not spill over into Kenya.
“Security has been maintained through constant patrols by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and other security agencies,” he stated, noting that local schools were on holiday during the unrest.
Chepoton firmly dismissed rumors that Jubaland troops had crossed into Kenya and occupied Border Point One Primary School for military training.
He confirmed that all 68 secondary and 68 primary schools in Mandera are operating normally.
Accompanied by police and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officials, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized that security measures are in place, including armed police stationed at the primary school.
Mandera County Education Director Abdi Sheikh and Border Point One Primary School principal Abdul Majid Khalif Mohamed confirmed that classes resumed as scheduled on July 26, 2025, without disruption.
Youth leader Shuria Mohamed Ahmed also highlighted that vital services, including the village water tank and dispensary, are functioning smoothly, promoting community stability. Yet, residents have reported difficulties accessing their farms after 4 p.m. due to concerns about possible militia activity near the border.
The ongoing strife between Jubaland and SNA forces is rooted in political rivalries, particularly between Jubaland President Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam, known as Ahmed Madobe, and his former security minister, Abdirashid Hassan Abdinur (Janaan.)
Janaan, who once aligned with Madobe, has shifted his support to the SNA in a bid to reclaim control over Bulla Hawa.
Despite the unrest, trade continues at border points such as Malka Sufti, Tula Amin and Bulla Geneva, with residents conducting business as usual.
KDF patrol commander Corporal Fredrick Muirigi reassured locals over their safety
“We are constantly on patrol and have not encountered Jubaland forces in Kenyan territory. Our mandate is to secure our side of the border, and that remains our focus.” he said
Historically, Kenya has collaborated with Jubaland forces to combat the Al-Shabaab insurgency.
During Kenya’s 2011 incursion into Somalia, Madobe’s troops were instrumental in establishing a buffer zone along the border.
Since then, Jubaland has operated as a semi-autonomous region, with its administration based in Kismayo, a crucial hub for both economic and security concerns.
