Ongoing boundary reaffirmation between Kenya and Tanzania is almost complete.

A joint technical team from the two East African countries that have been working round the clock to finalise the reaffirmation of the common borders are expected to conclude the exercise by end of this year.

Speaking during a supervisory tour of the 100 kilometre stretch from Rombo BP56 to BP 85Tsavo National Park in Taita-Taveta County, Deputy Head of the Public Service Amos Gathecha underscored the significant progress the team has so far made, expressing optimism that the exercise will be completed within projected time.

Gathecha said the joint undertaking by the two states was done in line with international legal frameworks governing boundary reaffirmation, which will culminate in the drafting of a boundary treaty between the two neighbours.

The deputy head of public service disclosed that 558 out of the 758-kilometres to be covered, were already reaffirmed save for the remaining 150 kilometres to Vanga, approximately 42 kilometres river line section at Jipe area in Taveta and Lake Victoria section.

Gathecha further commended the dedication of over 80 officers drawn from various state agencies that included the Kenya International Boundaries Office (KIBO), the Ministry of Lands and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), among others.

“These officers have spent months in the field working in challenging terrain, wildlife zones and remote areas. Their patriotism, technical acumen and commitment to duty are exemplary,” he said.

Gathecha also acknowledged the crucial logistical and institutional support provided by the government including security, medical and operational facilitation, which has ensured the smooth conduct of the reaffirmation exercise.

At the same event, Head of Kenya International Boundaries Office (KIBO) Juster Nkoroi underlined the strategic significance of the exercise.

“International boundaries are not mere lines on a map. They define sovereignty, support effective governance and enhance bilateral cooperation,” Nkoroi said.

She added that the reaffirmation process involves meticulous surveying, photogrammetry, legal verification and physical boundary marking.

“Every inch of the 558 kilometres covered so far has been surveyed, marked and validated by qualified experts. This precision ensures integrity and clarity in boundary definition,” she explained.

The Kenya-Tanzania boundary reaffirmation is part of a broader government-led initiative through KIBO to strengthen Kenya’s border management systems. It builds on similar successful undertakings with Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia.

The government remains steadfast in advancing peaceful and collaborative boundary reaffirmation processes that reinforce Kenya’s territorial integrity, enhance regional integration and ensure effective administration along international borders.

Also present was Major General John Nkoimo, the Commander of the Central Command of the Kenya Defence Forces, who re-affirmed the security sector’s support in ensuring the successful completion of the boundary reaffirmation exercise. Also present were Senior Deputy Director of Survey Henry Ngomo and Martin Dang’ana, field team coordinator.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Jaqueline Adyang’