Kenya’s overall security situation remains generally stable, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen told Parliament on Thursday, even as authorities monitor a shifting pattern of organised and transnational crime.
Currently, security agencies are confronting transnational criminal activities, among them narcotics trafficking, illicit brews, human trafficking, illicit financial flows, and smuggling of contraband goods.
“These networks increasingly operate across borders and leverage technology to evade detection. The state is responding to them through inter-agency collaboration with regional and international cooperation forums such as INTERPOL. We have also partnered with telecommunications providers and financial institutions to detect and disrupt cyber-fraud networks,” Murkomen told the MPs.
He noted the emerging threat of vulnerable Kenyan youth who are being lured and exploited by unscrupulous recruitment agencies with promises of lucrative foreign jobs, only to be conscripted into fighting wars in foreign lands.
“The Government is working with relevant agencies to track down and prosecute these agencies while enhancing public awareness campaigns,” he said.
Regarding the threat of terrorism and violent extremism, the CS noted that intelligence-led operations continue to disrupt planned activities and keep the country safe.
“We have sustained arrest and prosecution of terror suspects, enhanced border surveillance and intelligence coordination, and increased our capacity to monitor and counter extremist online propaganda and recruitment,” he explained.
At the same time, Murkomen noted that heightened political activities ahead of the 2027 General Election continue to evoke security threats. Such include: the use of hired goons to stir violence and propaganda that are being monitored to avoid disrupting public order.
Other threats he noted are caused by the use of drugs and substance abuse, rogue boda boda riders who have allowed criminal elements to infiltrate the sector, whose rapid growth has led to disorder and lawlessness.
Regarding the state of ongoing security operations, Murkomen said more than 1,200 guns have been recovered this week, as several notorious bandits surrendered to security agencies through Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU).
Efforts towards bringing a permanent end to banditry and cattle rustling in North Rift and Upper Eastern region have led to the enhancement of the role of National Police Reservists, operationalisation of administrative units, engaging communities for better grazing rights management and construction of security roads.
Particularly, Murkomen said the state is prioritising the protection of main supply routes, including LAPSSET.
“As a Government, we are fully aware that even with all these security enhancements, the only truly sustainable way to secure the hitherto marginalised parts of the country is through development. That is why the ongoing major infrastructural developments, such as the 740km Isiolo-Mandera road, are a game-changer for our country,” he said.
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