Heightened security measures, booming tourism define Coastal festive season

Amidst the festive season, security measures have been significantly intensified along major roads in the Coast region due to a surge in visitors flocking to the area. Police have implemented random routine checks on highways to verify passengers' nationalities in public vehicles.

In Kwale, roadblocks have been strategically placed in Kombani, Matuga, and Ramisi areas. Passengers are required to provide identification before continuing their journey.

"We are conducting routine checks to identify potential unauthorized entrants taking advantage of the influx of visitors moving across the country," Kwale County Police Commander, Stephen Ng'etich said.

Ng'etich emphasised Kwale's vulnerability as a border county, acknowledging the risks posed by porous borders facilitating the entry of unauthorised individuals.

Additionally, police presence has been amplified on major highways like the Likoni-Lungalunga and Mombasa-Nairobi routes to regulate vehicular movement and prevent accidents.

Hotels have also been instructed to maintain guest registers as part of the security measures.

Tourists and locals during the Firi Festival held in Mombasa.

Ng'etich stressed the importance of vigilance, stating, "We want to ensure our surroundings are free from potential threats."

Ng'etich advised travellers to inform both neighbours and the police about their whereabouts to deter burglaries during their absence.

Meanwhile, congestion at the Likoni crossing has surged as numerous residents and vehicles travel between Mombasa and the South Coast.

Amidst concerns from Kwale residents regarding rising crime and immoral activities at beaches, urging increased police presence, Hamisi Kenga highlighted the need for parental vigilance over holidaying youngsters.

Simultaneously, the hospitality sector is witnessing a significant surge in business, marking a remarkable Christmas season post the Covid-19 pandemic's impact. Duncan Kiroro, General Manager at Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort, noted an 80 per cent booking rate with expectations for further increases.

Kiroro attributed the influx of visitors, both local and international, to the convenience of the Standard Gauge Railway and shuttles connecting to Diani, enabling tourists from various parts of the country to access the region easily.

Patrols intensified

Consequently, patrols have been intensified, and all off-duty police personnel have been called back for active duty.

These security operations are slated to continue until the year-end and into early January to coincide with the school reopening period. Increased patrols are also observed in urban areas, hotels, places of worship, and recreational parks to bolster security.

IG of Police Japhet Koome during a press briefing on December 20, 2023 at NPS Headquarters, Nairobi. (NPS)

Inspector General Japhet Koome, in a press briefing at the NPS headquarters on Wednesday, highlighted the anticipated surge in vehicular traffic during the festive period due to increased movement across Kenya.

He noted that heavy El Nino rains in various parts of the country were contributing to poor visibility on roads, adding to the challenge. Koome emphasized that road traffic accidents, a major cause of injuries and fatalities, impose severe financial and health burdens on victims and caregivers.

Citing recent fatal accidents in Machakos and Nakuru that claimed 16 lives, Koome expressed regret over the recurring preventable human factors contributing to most accidents. Factors such as non-compliance with traffic regulations, operating defective vehicles, lack of safety belt usage, speeding, driver fatigue, driving under the influence, and reckless overtaking were identified as major issues.

While underscoring the NPS's role in enforcing traffic laws, Koome stressed that road safety is a collective responsibility for all Kenyans. He called upon pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders, passengers, and drivers to strictly adhere to traffic rules for a safer festive season.

Koome assured continued collaboration with other government agencies like the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to maintain road safety. Additionally, he reiterated a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption within the police force, inviting collaboration with the EACC in this fight.