Eldas MP Adan Keynan defended the proposed Basir Multi-Agency Centre, describing it as a critical national security project aimed at combating transnational crime and restoring stability in Northern Kenya.
In a statement, the Eldas MP said he had initially refrained from commenting on the matter out of respect for the sensitivity of Kenya’s security architecture, but chose to speak out due to what he termed as “misinformation, distortion and inflammatory rhetoric” surrounding the project.
Keynan said security remains a constitutional function of the National Government and argued that the Ethiopia-Moyale-Basir-Arbajan-Isiolo corridor has become a major route for organized criminal networks involved in illegal firearms trade, drug trafficking, human trafficking, kidnappings and smuggling.
According to the legislator, the insecurity linked to the corridor has had far-reaching consequences across counties including Wajir County, Marsabit County, Isiolo County, Garissa County, Samburu County, Laikipia County, Meru County and Mandera County.
He said government security agencies conceived and coordinated the Basir Multi-Agency Centre following extensive assessments and consultations.
He added that State security organs undertook the project’s planning, identified sites, engaged stakeholders, and handed it over to contractors, while the National Government Constituencies Development Fund for Eldas Constituency only joined later to finance physical construction and infrastructure works.
Security agencies later suspended the project, prompting the MP to express regret and to say the initiative had become entangled in political contestation, despite its original objective of strengthening national security and public safety.
On the contentious boundary issue, Keynan dismissed claims that Basir and Tito locations fall under Marsabit County, insisting the areas have historically been part of the administrative structure of Wajir County.
He said the two locations fell under Wajir West Constituency before Eldas Constituency was created, and noted that Basir Sub-Location has existed since the late 1980s, before authorities later elevated it to a location and divisional administrative unit.
Keynan maintained that the administrative records are clear and verifiable, questioning the emergence of what he termed as sudden claims of encroachment after decades of coexistence among neighbouring communities.
Featured image: Adan Keynan on LinkedIn
