Communal land ownership stalls Turkana military base plan, says Tuya
CS Tuya explained that the land identified for the base is under communal ownership, making the process subject to multiple bureaucratic approvals
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has said the government’s plan to set up a permanent Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) base in Turkana East has been slowed down by complex land ownership issues.
Speaking before the Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Tuya explained that the land identified for the base is under communal ownership, making the process subject to multiple bureaucratic approvals.
“We have faced delays because the land belongs to the community and is held under communal tenure, requiring county government facilitation and National Land Commission processing,” Tuya told the committee.
The CS said her ministry is in talks with the Turkana County Government to speed up the allocation process so the KDF can establish a permanent presence to help deter cross-border attacks.
“Discussions with the Turkana County Government are ongoing to fast-track allocation so that KDF can have a permanent presence and deter future incursions,” she stated.
Tuya assured MPs that the delay in acquiring the land has not left the border exposed, as the military has made alternative security arrangements.
“Border security is not entirely dependent on land acquisition, but having a permanent base will significantly improve rapid response. In the meantime, we have deployed mobile detachments to strategic points along the border,” she explained.
She outlined measures taken after the February 2025 Todonyang massacre, including reinforcing police units in Turkana East, increasing aerial surveillance with helicopters, and strengthening border security posts.
“We are committed to increasing military presence and improving rapid response capacity. The security of Kenyans is our top priority, and the Government is taking all necessary measures to prevent recurrence,” Tuya said.
The CS also highlighted improved intelligence-sharing between security agencies as part of the ongoing efforts to protect communities while the permanent base plan is being finalised.
“This is to ensure security operations continue as we finalise the base establishment process,” she told the committee.
