Kenya beefs up security on South Sudan border to check refugees

Kenyan authorities have deployed more police officers along the South Sudan border to monitor refugees fleeing fighting in the world's youngest nation.

Turkana West police commander David Nyabuto said Wednesday a contingent of security personnel have been deployed at Nadapal border along Kenya-South Sudan point to ensure refugees entering the country are secured.

"We have deployed enough security personnel along the border to monitor the activities of the refugees entering the country. We have secured the border to ensure no refugee enters the country with arms," Nyabuto said.

Nyabuto said the UN High Commissioner for refugees (UNCHR) has set up a permanent base at Nadapal border point to vet the refugees entering the country.

He said the base provides boarding facilities at the border where vetting of the refugees is being carried out before they are cleared to be registered at Kakuma refugee camp.

"We have opened up the border for South Sudanese to seek asylum in the country. But they should undergo rigorous vetting at the border point before they are enrolled to the camp," he said.

But already there is pressure in Kakuma refugee camp in northwest Kenya following the influx of Somali and South Sudanese refugees.

UNCHR has also created a new refugee camp in Kalobeyei area to host new arrivals from South Sudan.

According to UNHCR, Kenya has reported the arrival of 1,000 refugees since the recent fighting began in Juba on July 8. Endit