Plans are underway to establish Regional Security Command Centres across major towns in the country to enhance surveillance and coordination, alongside the National Command Hub.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS), Kipchumba Murkomen, said that rapid response capabilities have also been strengthened through specialist units and improved disaster preparedness, with closer collaboration between National and County governments.
Speaking while briefing the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, on the state of security in the country, Murkomen, said that the country is facing both the persistent and emerging threats.
“These include banditry in parts of the North Rift, terrorism-related threats, particularly in the North Eastern and coastal regions, organised criminal groups in urban centres, among other issues,” he explained.
According to Murkomen, these challenges are further compounded by politically motivated violence, illicit alcohol and drug abuse, and the proliferation of illegal firearms, all of which strain security resources and complicate enforcement efforts.
“In response, the Government has intensified security operations through increased police presence in affected areas, the deployment of specialist investigative units, and the expanded use of intelligence-led and technology-driven approaches,” said Murkomen.
The CS said that community engagement remains a key pillar, as demonstrated by public feedback platforms such as Jukwaa kwa Usalama, which has greatly informed ongoing interventions.
At the same time, he added that, multi-agency cooperation remains central to addressing complex threats like terrorism and organised crime.
“The National Police Service remains resolute and unwavering in executing its mandate to protect life and property, maintain law and order, and safeguard the security of all Kenyans, residents and visitors, by continuously strengthening its capacity, enhancing coordination, and optimizing available resources, to ensure effective policing,” said the CS.
Murkomen was accompanied by the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, and the Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mohamed Amin.
The engagement follows an invitation from the Committee to discuss incidents of insecurity in the country, as well as the measures being undertaken by the Government to address these challenges and enhance national security.
by Joseph Ng’ang’a
