By A, KNA
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, has kicked off his security tour of the northern region under the name Jukwaa la Usalama (Security Forum).
The tour began in Mandera County, where CS Murkomen met residents, local leaders, chiefs, assistant chiefs, and top security officials.
The forum aimed to strengthen cooperation between government agencies and communities on matters of peace and security.
In his remarks, Murkomen thanked security teams and government administrators for their efforts in maintaining calm in Mandera despite challenges posed by cross-border conflicts.
He praised chiefs and elders for their grassroots role in mediating disputes over pasture and land.
“Chiefs and elders have played a key role in keeping peace when communities fight over pasture and land,” Murkomen said.
The CS announced that some chiefs would undergo induction training and a few would be promoted in recognition of their exemplary service.
He also revealed plans to refurbish regional training centers to enable continuous skills development and information exchange among administrators.
Murkomen urged security officers to work closely together in combating terrorism, stressing the importance of coordination and intelligence-sharing.
He further assured chiefs facing threats that the government would provide them with arms for self-protection.
“Any chief who is being threatened will be armed so that they can protect themselves and their communities,” Murkomen emphasized.
Residents raised concerns about delays in accessing national documents such as ID cards, birth, and death certificates.
In response, Murkomen directed that IDs be processed and delivered by Friday using live capture machines, and ordered the establishment of local offices for birth certificate issuance in areas that lack them.
“ID cards must be delivered by Friday, and birth certificate offices will be established in areas that have none to end bureaucratic delays,” the CS directed.
On the second day of the forum in Elwak, the CS announced that chiefs who were abducted while serving the public would be honoured with Heads of State Commendation during the next national celebrations, recognizing their bravery and sacrifice.
Murkomen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protect Kenya’s territorial integrity and ensure no external interference disrupts peace along the Somalia border.
“We want to assure the people of Mandera and the entire North Eastern region that their safety is our top priority. There will be no compromise on security,” he said.
The Jukwaa la Usalama forum then proceeds to Wajir county and is expected to conclude this week in Garissa County.