Government launches Kolowa Sub-County in Tiaty to boost security, bring services closer to locals

The government has officially launched Kolowa Sub-County in Baringo County, saying the new administrative unit will strengthen security, improve access to public services and address decades of marginalisation in the region.

The launch comes after several years of relative calm in Tiaty following intensified security operations and efforts to surrender illegal firearms.

Speaking during its launch on Friday, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said the new sub-county is intended to consolidate those security gains by bringing administrative services closer to residents while supporting further investment in infrastructure, policing and local development. 

“I am particularly delighted because the establishment of this new sub-county will consolidate the significant gains we have made in securing this region while bringing essential government services closer to the people. This is not merely the creation of another administrative unit; it is a major milestone in our Government's deliberate effort to correct decades of historical marginalisation that have affected this region and other underserved parts of our country,” said the CS.

The administrative unit comes with an established Civil Registration Services Centre in Kolowa that will save locals time previously spent travelling long distances to obtain birth and death certificates, leaving many without these critical documents.

Murkomen said the centre has been equipped with registration teams to facilitate the issuance of national identity cards.

“In addition, we have operationalised two divisions, nine locations and twenty-five sub-locations across Baringo County, bringing government services even closer to wananchi,” he added.

Murkomen noted that the locals' voluntary surrender of illegal firearms and ammunition, as well as support to security agencies currently deployed under Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift, has played a critical role in restoring stability in the region.

“Allow me to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the people of Kolowa and the entire Tiaty community for your cooperation and unwavering commitment to peace. For the past three years, this area has become a powerful testament to what is possible when communities embrace peace as families now live without fear, children are back in school, businesses are thriving, and neighbours are once again trading and interacting peacefully,” he said.

Schools that had previously been closed along the Baringo–Elgeyo Marakwet border have reopened, and banditry, which for many years defined this region, has significantly diminished, the CS further noted.

“Today's launch is therefore both a celebration of peace achieved and a renewed commitment to sustaining it,” he added.

Going forward, the government will hand over eighty-one motorcycles to chiefs serving across the county to improve their mobility and effectiveness.

40 computers will also be distributed to twenty police stations to modernise service delivery and improve efficiency.

At the same time, in recognition of the important role that sports play in promoting social cohesion, especially among our youth, 20 complete sports kits will be donated to 20 teams across the county.

The CS further announced that Kolowa Police Station will be among those prioritised, alongside other stations serving insecurity-prone areas once the National Treasury's vehicle leasing programme is completed. 

He also assured that the five divisions, 14 locations and 48 sub-locations that were gazetted in Baringo County but are yet to be operationalised due to budgetary constraints will be prioritised for operationalisation as resources become available.

“I am also pleased to note that interviews for chiefs and assistant chiefs have already been concluded for four new Locations and six new sub-locations within this sub-county,” he said.

The government is working with the Ministry of Roads and Transport to construct strategic security roads in Kolowa, Tiaty Central and Tiaty East sub-counties to improve access for security personnel while enhancing trade, movement and economic development.

Meanwhile, the National Police Service is conducting a security assessment along the Baringo–Samburu border to facilitate the deployment of additional formed units to sustain gains against banditry and cattle rustling.

The government also announced that verification of village elders has been completed nationwide, with approved elders set to begin receiving their stipends through mobile money in the coming weeks.

The programme is intended to support the role of village elders in promoting peace, strengthening community policing and supporting local administration.