The concerns emerged after clashes between JSF and Somalia National Army (SNA) forces in Bulla Hawa on July 30, 2025.
Officials said the fighting remained on the Somali side of the border and did not affect Kenyan territory.
Mandera officials dismiss security fears
Mandera Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Chepoton said the situation in Kenya remains calm.
“There was fighting in Somalia, but it did not extend into Kenya. Our side remains secure, with regular KDF patrols ensuring peace,” Chepoton said.
He also dismissed claims that JSF troops had occupied a school in Mandera.
Chepoton confirmed that schools across the county remain open and continue operating normally.
Border Point One Primary School remains open
Border Point One Primary School became the centre of claims that foreign troops had entered Kenya.
However, the school’s headteacher, Abdul Majid Khalif Mohamed, said learning activities continued without disruption.
He confirmed that the school reopened on July 26, 2025, and remains operational.
Security officers and regular Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) patrols continue to support safety in the area.
Residents report normal activities
Residents near the border have also reported that daily activities remain unaffected.
Shuria Mohamed Ahmed, a youth leader from Border Point One village, said there has been no disruption.
Traders at the Malka Sufti border crossing also confirmed that business operations continue as usual.
“We are conducting trade as usual,” said trader Halima Ibrahim.
Authorities deny foreign troop presence
Reports suggested that some JSF fighters briefly crossed into Kenya during the clashes to regroup.
However, security officials said the movement was temporary and did not threaten residents.
KDF patrol commander Corporal Fredrick Muirigi said no foreign troops were operating inside Kenya.
“Our mandate is to ensure the security of this area. We have not encountered JSF on our side of the border,” he said.
JSF remains Kenya’s regional security partner
Jubaland Security Force has worked with Kenya in regional efforts against Al-Shabaab.
The force, led by Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, has played a role in security operations along the Kenya-Somalia border.
Officials consider Jubaland an important partner in addressing cross-border security challenges.
Somali political rivalry fuels clashes
The recent fighting in Bulla Hawa is linked to political disagreements within Somalia.
The conflict involves Ahmed Madobe and former Jubaland Security Minister Abdirashid Janaan.
Janaan later joined Somalia National Army forces and has challenged Jubaland’s control of the strategic border town.
Mandera remains peaceful
Despite tensions across the border, Kenyan authorities say Mandera remains secure.
Security agencies have urged residents to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports.
The government maintains that KDF remains in control of Kenya’s territory as monitoring continues.
