State issues security advisory ahead of holiday festivities, calls for public vigilance

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has issued a comprehensive advisory highlighting key security concerns and urging the public to exercise heightened vigilance.

Released on Monday, the advisory highlights the traditional surge in criminal activities during the holidays.

The advisory notes that crowded spaces such as markets, shopping malls, and public transport hubs are hotspots for petty crimes, including pickpocketing and muggings.

Families travelling for the holidays are advised to secure their homes, as burglaries typically increase during this period.

“Home burglaries are a growing threat, especially as many households remain unattended while families travel upcountry or to urban areas,” the statement noted.

Authorities have flagged car break-ins as a rising concern and urged motorists to maintain vigilance and park their vehicles in secure locations.

Illicit alcohol

The ministry raised the alarm over the rise in drug distribution and the production of illicit alcohol during the holiday season. In response, security forces have intensified crackdowns on these activities, targeting producers and distributors.

Traffic-related offences, including drunk driving, speeding, and vehicle overloading, are another major concern.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) will collaborate with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to conduct joint road crackdowns.

“We call on all drivers, passengers, and other road users to comply with traffic rules to prevent accidents and fatalities during the celebrations,” Kanja said.

He emphasised the importance of discipline among motorists and revealed that police officers on leave have been recalled to bolster operations.

Counterfeit goods, cybercrime

The advisory also highlighted the growing menace of counterfeit goods and cybercrime, as fraudsters exploit holiday promotions to scam unsuspecting buyers.

Consumers have been advised to verify the authenticity of products and be cautious when shopping online.

The ministry also flagged the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly children and victims of gender-based violence.

Additionally, the ministry has described noise violations from holiday celebrations as a "public nuisance" that requires strict regulation.

The National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, and Kenya Coast Guard Service, among other security agencies, have deployed 10,317 officers nationwide to address these threats.

Multi-agency command centres

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo confirmed that he has directed all regional and county security and intelligence committees to operationalise multi-agency command centres.

“These centres will operate 24/7, ensuring coordinated security efforts through the National Multi-Agency Command Centre (NMACC) at Lang’ata Barracks, supported by regional and county centres,” Omollo said.

Specialised police units will intensify patrols around shopping malls, places of worship, and other critical infrastructure in urban areas, conducting enhanced ground and aerial surveillance.

The National Police Service has also deployed undercover officers to combat crime discreetly.

"While the National Police Service has implemented these measures, I wish to remind all Kenyans that security and road safety are collective responsibilities," IG Kanja stated.

He urged the public to report any suspicious activity via the police hotlines: 999, 112, 911, and the anonymous tip line #FichuakwaDCI at 0800 722 203.