Nairobi(Mogadishu24)-The government of Kenya has on Wednesday made unexpected change in stance regarding the reopening of Kenya-Somalia border.

As part of a security briefing in Northern region, Kenya’s Minister of Interior, Kithure Kindiki, addressed critical security issues in Northeastern Kenya during his official visit to the region.

Speaking at Dagahley refugee camp, the Minister announced that the Kenyan Government would delay reopening of the Kenya-Somalia border points due to the increasing attacks by Al-Shabaab.

“The Government will delay the planned phased-out reopening of the Kenya-Somalia border points to facilitate comprehensive and conclusive handling of the recent wave of terror attacks and cross-border crime,” the minister declared

However, the Minister emphasized that Kenya would uphold the provisions of the Refugee Act 2022, ensuring a peaceful environment for refugees within the country. The government would also take charge of managing and administering the refugees’ database.

“Kenya has adopted an updated, improved, and enhanced Refugee Act 2022. The government will neither roll back nor backtrack on implementation of the Refugee Act 2022 and all its obligations as a signatory to international treaties. As a policy shift on refugee affairs, the government will take charge in the management and administration of refugees database,” he added.

Acknowledging the law-abiding refugees, the minister highlighted the impact of criminal elements on both the peaceful refugees and other stakeholders.

“We recognize that 99.999% of refugees are law-abiding individuals, and we will strive to support them. However, we will not allow a few criminal elements to jeopardize our national security and the interests of genuine refugees and host communities,” stressed the minister.

The minister’s visit to the Northeastern counties aimed to enhance security enforcement and promote collaboration with local communities. However, Kenya’s decision to delay the reopening of the border is seen as an unfulfilled hope for business people who anticipated the resumption of businesses between the two countries.