The reassurance follows concerns raised after heavy fighting between JSF and Somalia National Army (SNA) forces in Bulla Hawa, a Somali border town near Mandera, on July 30, 2025.
Officials said the clashes did not spill into Kenyan territory and that security agencies remain in control of the border area.
Officials dismiss fears over Jubaland forces
Mandera Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Chepoton said the fighting occurred inside Somalia and did not affect Kenya.
He assured residents that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) continue to patrol the area and maintain security.
“There was fighting in Somalia, but it did not extend into Kenya. Our side remains secure,” Chepoton said.
He also dismissed claims that JSF troops had occupied a school in Mandera.
Schools and businesses continue operating
Authorities confirmed that schools across Mandera remain open despite the security concerns.
Officials said learning activities have continued normally, with no school closures linked to the border situation.
At Border Point One Primary School, which was at the centre of the allegations, the headteacher Abdul Majid Khalif Mohamed confirmed that classes were ongoing.
He said security officers continue to protect learners and staff.
Residents and traders near the Malka Sufti border crossing also reported normal business activities.
“We are conducting trade as usual,” said trader Halima Ibrahim.
Brief JSF movement not an occupation
Reports had suggested that some JSF fighters briefly crossed into Kenya during the clashes to regroup.
However, security officials said the fighters returned to Somalia and did not pose a threat to Kenyan residents.
KDF patrol commander Corporal Fredrick Muirigi said no foreign forces were operating inside Kenyan territory.
“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 regional security partner
Jubaland Security Force has historically worked with Kenya in efforts to combat Al-Shabaab militants in the region.
The force, led by Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, has supported security operations along the Kenya-Somalia border.
Officials say cooperation with regional security partners remains important in preventing extremist threats.
Somali political tensions fuel clashes
The fighting in Bulla Hawa is linked to political disagreements within Somalia.
The dispute involves Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe and former Jubaland Security Minister Abdirashid Janaan.
Janaan, who later joined forces with Somalia’s National Army, has been involved in efforts to challenge Jubaland control of the strategic border town.
Mandera remains calm
Despite the tensions across the border, Kenyan authorities say Mandera remains peaceful.
Security agencies have urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information and rely on official updates.
The government maintains that KDF remains in control of Kenya’s side of the border as monitoring continues.
