Government assesses possibility of opening Sololo-Dukale border point

By Nyabande Orwa

A national government team is assessing whether an official border post can be opened between Sololo in Kenya and Dukale in Ethiopia.

The team, led by Kennedy Nyairo, head of the Border Management Secretariat, arrived in Marsabit to determine whether the area is suitable as a formal entry and exit point between the two countries. It was received by Marsabit Deputy Governor Solomon Gubo Riwe.

Speaking as he welcomed the delegation, Mr. Riwe said an official crossing would ease legitimate cross-border trade, strengthen security and create more economic opportunities for residents of Sololo, Dukale and surrounding areas.

He noted that trade is already taking place in the area but remains limited because of a lack of infrastructure and a formal border post.

For his part, Mr. Nyairo said the government aims to increase the number of official border points between Kenya and Ethiopia in order to regulate the movement of people and goods and improve border security.

He said the Kenya-Ethiopia border is long and has many unofficial routes in some areas, adding that a Sololo-Dukale post could help reduce illegal movement and promote legitimate trade.