Kenya has increased security on its porous desert border with Somalia ahead of an expected offensive by government forces there that could prompt hardline Islamist rebels to try and cross the frontier.

Al Shabaab insurgents who declared their loyalty to al Qaeda this week and want to impose a harsh version of sharia law on the Horn of Africa state, have controlled several small towns on the Somali side of the border since late last year.

Tensions are growing in the drought-ridden region, where jobs are scarce and both of Somalia's warring factions have been trawling Kenyan villages, seeking to recruit young fighters.
 

source: Reuters