Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reaffirmed the importance of public participation in strengthening governance, saying meaningful citizen engagement is essential in shaping reforms and safeguarding constitutional democracy.
Speaking at the Trans Nzoia County Assembly in Kitale during the opening of the County Assembly Wellness and Committee Services Centre, Murkomen said public participation must be authentic, timely and well-informed to enable citizens to contribute effectively to decision-making.
“We must simplify the Constitution to enable everyone to participate and bring about changes that will inform our decision-making and maintain standards for public participation,” he said.
The CS revealed that valuable concerns raised by the public during Jukwaa La Usalama Security Engagement Fora across the country are key in the ongoing security reforms and policy implementation.
He emphasized that security is a shared responsibility between government and citizens and urged communities to work closely with security agencies while observing the rule of law.
“Security begins at the household level, and we must all work together to keep our country safe. Our security operations must always be conducted in an orderly manner and in accordance with the Constitution,” he said.
The CS said issues raised during the fora included the resurgence of criminal gangs, drug and substance abuse among youth, and weakening community security structures.
Murkomen revealed that the government had provided financial and administrative support to operationalize community peace-building committees across the country.
Meanwhile, he noted that the government was addressing the shortage of security personnel through increased police recruitments and deployment.
“The presence of goons invading public spaces will disappear with the upcoming deployment of graduating officers from our training colleges,” he said.
On gender-based violence, the CS said the National Police Service had embarked on its largest recruitment and training programme for women officers to strengthen gender-responsive policing and improve services at police stations.
He warned criminal gangs and their financiers, saying the government had intensified multi-agency operations to dismantle organized criminal networks.
“I am pleased to report that our security operations have yielded significant results, particularly in areas such as Matisi. We are now targeting the financiers and organizers of these criminal groups and will not relent until the country is secure,” he stated.
The CS expressed concern over cases where suspects are released soon after arrest, saying such actions undermine efforts by security agencies to combat crime.
He announced that reforms targeting more than 5,000 chiefs and assistant chiefs are underway to strengthen the national government administration and improve service delivery at the grassroots.
He urged county assemblies to continue enacting laws that promote accountability and institutionalize public participation in governance.
“I encourage this County Assembly to continue making public participation a pillar of governance because the views of citizens shape legislation,” he said.
In the 2027 General Election, Murkomen assured Kenyans that the security sector is fully prepared to guarantee peaceful elections.
He warned individuals spreading fear about possible election violence, saying the government would not allow criminals or politically sponsored violence to disrupt peace.
By Isaiah Nayika and Winnie Jelagat
