Moyale is at the centre of a UK travel warning over Ethiopia border violence.
Britain urges citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Moyale as Kenya reinforces border security and aid agencies respond to mass displacement.
The United Kingdom has issued a Moyale travel warning following deadly violence along the Kenya-Ethiopia border. It advises British citizens against all but essential travel to the town and areas within five kilometres.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its advisory on November 6. The warning also covers the border crossing with Ethiopia.
The FCDO said violence in Ethiopia’s Moyale since October has affected nearby Kenyan areas. It cited stray gunfire, unexploded ordnance and projectiles landing around the Kenyan town, causing deaths and injuries.
Britain also cautioned that travelling against its advice could invalidate insurance cover. The security situation remains unpredictable and could worsen without warning.
Moyale travel warning follows border clashes
The violence involves communities linked to Ethiopia’s Oromia and Somali regional administrations, which dispute territorial administration. The clashes have also driven thousands of people across the border into Kenya.
Meanwhile, Kenyan authorities have reinforced security along the frontier to prevent further spillover. On November 5, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja ordered additional officers to Moyale after assessing security with regional commanders.
Kanja directed officers to stay alert and increase surveillance to protect residents, property and people fleeing the violence. He also asked residents to share timely, credible information with security agencies to help prevent threats.
During the visit, Kanja toured camps hosting displaced Ethiopian families. He assured them of stronger security and coordinated humanitarian assistance.
Aid agencies seek support for displaced families
Alongside the security response, humanitarian agencies face growing needs among families escaping the conflict. On October 28, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, cited local authorities’ estimates that up to 50,000 people had entered Kenya.
However, UNHCR cautioned that the estimate remained fluid as registration and verification continued, alongside reports of further arrivals. Many of those fleeing are women and children.
Some families have found temporary shelter in schools and churches, while others are staying with relatives and host communities. UNHCR identified food as the most urgent need, alongside drinking water, shelter, sanitation and healthcare.
The agency, UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration and the World Food Programme are seeking US$8.9 million. The funding would support up to 50,000 displaced people over three months.
The violence has also disrupted cross-border trade, leaving trucks stranded. Businesses near the One-Stop Border Post have temporarily closed amid fears of stray gunfire.
