In 2015, Kenya embarked on an ambitious project to construct a 700-kilometer security barrier along its porous border with Somalia, aiming to curb the infiltration of al-Shabaab militants and illegal cross-border activities. A decade later, the “smart fence” remains incomplete, mired in technical setbacks, community resistance, and allegations of mismanagement.
A Wall of Contention
The initial vision for the barrier encompassed a combination of concrete walls, barbed wire fencing, observation posts, and surveillance equipment. However, progress has been sluggish. As of 2019, only 10 kilometers of the fence had been completed, at a staggering cost of $35 million, prompting scrutiny over the project’s efficacy and financial transparency.
Critics argue that the fence has done little to enhance security, with al-Shabaab continuing to exploit the border’s vulnerabilities. Moreover, the barrier has disrupted the daily lives of communities straddling the border, many of whom share familial and economic ties across the divide.
Technical and Operational Hurdles
The “smart” aspect of the fence, intended to incorporate advanced surveillance technologies, has faced significant challenges. Technical issues, including equipment malfunctions and inadequate maintenance, have hampered the effectiveness of the surveillance systems. Additionally, the harsh terrain and remote locations have complicated construction and monitoring efforts.
Security experts contend that without addressing these operational shortcomings, the fence cannot fulfill its intended purpose of deterring militant incursions and illegal activities.
Community Resistance and Historical Tensions
The fence has also reignited historical tensions in the region. The border cuts through areas inhabited by ethnic Somali communities, whose cross-border interactions are integral to their cultural and economic practices. The construction of the barrier has been perceived by some as an infringement on their rights and a disruption to their way of life.
This sentiment harks back to the Shifta War of the 1960s, when ethnic Somalis in Kenya’s Northern Frontier District sought to secede and join Somalia, leading to a protracted conflict. The legacy of that period continues to influence perceptions of government initiatives in the region.
Border Camera
You can’t fence out insecurity with concrete alone. Technology must be matched with trust, and border security must involve those who actually live along the border. Ignoring the human dimension only builds walls between the state and its people.”
Emmanuel Kotin, Executive Director, African Centre for Counter Terrorism, Ghana
Calls for a Holistic Approach
In light of the fence’s limited success, experts and community leaders are advocating for a more comprehensive strategy to border security. Recommendations include:
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Enhanced Intelligence Sharing: Improving coordination between Kenyan and Somali security forces to preempt and respond to threats.
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Community Engagement: Involving local populations in security initiatives to build trust and gather actionable intelligence.
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Economic Development: Investing in infrastructure and services to address the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to insecurity.
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Technological Upgrades: Ensuring that surveillance equipment is functional and suited to the operational environment.
As Kenya reassesses its border security policies, the experience with the smart fence underscores the need for solutions that are not only technologically sound but also socially and politically inclusive.
