Night travel ban on Lamu-Witu-Garsen road to remain, says CS Murkomen
Murkomen explained that the ban was necessitated by a series of frequent terror attacks targeting travellers, including passengers and cargo vehicles, along the route.
The ban on night travel for Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) along the Lamu-Witu-Garsen road, imposed in July 2014 to curb terrorism, will remain in effect indefinitely.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made the announcement while responding to a question from Nominated Senator Shakila Abdalla, who sought clarity on when the ban would be lifted and what measures were in place to ensure swift responses to medical and security emergencies at night.
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Senator Abdalla expressed concern that the 11-year-old ban had negatively impacted the local economy and transport sector, urging the government to consider resuming PSV operations.
In his response, Murkomen explained that the ban was necessitated by a series of frequent terror attacks targeting travellers, including passengers and cargo vehicles, along the route.
“Terror threats in the area remain significant, with the most recent incident occurring in Mangai, Lamu East, on March 14, 2025. The ban has continually been based on the evolving threat levels posed by Al-Shabaab, who remain active in the region, and once the circumstances change, the ban will be lifted,” he said.
Murkomen acknowledged the economic toll of the ban but emphasised that the government prioritises saving lives.
“We have been extending the ban every three months. I can't provide timelines on when it ends, as the threat remains significant. The government is, however, actively working to neutralise existing threats, and efforts are underway to restore security, with the ultimate goal of recommending the lifting of the ban once the area is deemed safe,” he added.
On emergency response measures, Murkomen said security agencies have strategically deployed armoured vehicles along key points of the route to ensure a rapid response to incidents.
In collaboration with the Lamu County Government, medical response teams have also been stationed at every sub-county hospital, with standby ambulances ready for immediate deployment.
Police have also intensified patrols along roads and business centres to enhance security and facilitate vehicle movement. Additionally, a multi-agency command centre has been established in Lamu to coordinate swift responses to any attacks.
The government is also implementing counter-violent extremism strategies to prevent radicalisation and promote long-term safety. Community policing is being promoted as a key tool to strengthen collaboration between security agencies and the public.
Further efforts include enhanced intelligence sharing among security agencies to improve the effectiveness of counterterrorism operations.
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