Leaders from North Eastern Kenya are again demanding the immediate reopening of the Kenya–Somalia border, warning that its closure is severely impacting local economies. The border, shut down in October 2011 due to Al-Shabaab attacks, is crucial for cross-border trade in the region.

• Fafi MP Salah Yakub emphasized that towns like Garissa, located just 40 kilometres from the border, depend on this trade.
• A previous phased reopening plan agreed upon in May 2023 was halted after a surge in deadly attacks in June 2023, including incidents that killed eight police officers in Garissa and five civilians in Lamu.
• Despite the closure, Kenya exported approximately USD130 million (around Ksh16.8 billion) worth of goods to Somalia in 2024.
• Separately, North Eastern MPs, including Tarbaj MP Ibrahim Saney, criticized delays in issuing national identification documents to residents, despite President William Ruto's Executive Order waiving vetting requirements.
• National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula confirmed that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen will be summoned to Parliament to address the ID card delays.