The presence of Jubaland Security Forces (JSF) near the Kenya-Somalia border in Bulla Hawa has sparked concern in Mandera County, but local officials insist there is no threat to residents or schools.
This follows a July 30, 2025, clash between JSF and the Somalia National Army (SNA) in Somalia’s Bulla Hawa town, during which the Kenya-friendly JSF fighters were temporarily pushed back.
A handful reportedly regrouped briefly inside Kenya before returning to the frontlines in Somalia. Despite political claims that JSF troops had crossed into Kenya and occupied Border Point One Primary School, Mandera Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Chepoton dismissed the allegations, emphasizing that “all 68 primary and 68 secondary schools are open and operating normally.”
“The fighting was entirely within Somalia. Kenya’s territory remains secure with routine patrols by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF),” Chepoton said.
The Kenya Police and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) also debunked reports that JSF troops were conducting training at the school or occupying any public institutions.
Mandera Education Director Abdi Sheikh and the principal of Border Point One Primary School, Abdul Majid Khalif Mohamed, confirmed that learning resumed as scheduled on July 26 and has continued without interruption. Two armed officers are stationed at the school, and KDF patrols regularly reinforce security in the area.
Local fears were further stoked by political figures including Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif and Senator Ali Roba, who claimed JSF fighters were preventing villagers from accessing their farms after 4 PM.
However, residents and business owners at the Malka Sufti and Inabat border crossings reported “business as usual” with no interference.
“We’ve not encountered any Jubaland fighters on Kenyan soil. Our patrols are ongoing, and residents can rest assured of their safety,” said Corporal Fredrick Muirigi of the KDF.
Background: Kenya’s Longstanding Alliance with JSF
JSF, under the leadership of Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, has long been a key ally in Kenya’s fight against Al-Shabaab.
A former Islamist fighter turned regional leader, Madobe partnered with KDF during “Operation Linda Nchi” and helped secure strategic towns in Somalia including Dhobley and Kismayo.
JSF was instrumental in establishing a buffer zone in southern Somalia to keep Al-Shabaab insurgents at bay. Although internal political rivalries have recently intensified—including a fallout between Madobe and his former security minister Abdirashid Janaan—JSF remains aligned with Kenya’s strategic interests.
Janaan, once a trusted JSF commander, defected to the Somali Federal Government and now leads offensives to reclaim Bulla Hawa from his former allies, escalating tensions in the region.
Despite the infighting across the border, Kenya’s security remains intact, and Jubaland forces continue to be seen as partners not threats by Nairobi.
Bottom Line: No Cause for Alarm
Security agencies have confirmed that:
• JSF troops are not occupying any part of Kenya
• Schools are fully operational
• KDF patrols are in control of the Kenyan side of the border
• Normalcy prevails in border towns and markets
Residents are urged to ignore misinformation and rely on official government communication regarding border security.
“Kenya is not at war. Our security forces are fully alert and in control,” Chepoton concluded.
