By H, KNA
Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS), Kipchumba Murkomen, has pledged reinforced security measures and accelerated development projects in Wajir and across Northern Kenya, saying the government is committed to fostering lasting peace and economic transformation in the region.
Speaking during a Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Wajir, Murkomen said the county, which borders Ethiopia and Somalia, holds vast economic potential, particularly in livestock development and cross-border trade, making it central to the socio-economic growth of the North Eastern region.
He commended security agencies for working closely with local residents to ward off terrorism threats and contain inter-clan conflicts, noting that the area had remained largely calm with no major security incidents reported in recent months.
“The government is determined to ensure peace and stability prevail in Wajir and the wider northern Kenya region. Security officers are working hand in hand with wananchi to neutralise threats and safeguard communities,” said Murkomen.
The CS raised concern over the growing menace of human trafficking, drug abuse, and gun smuggling, saying the government will expand ongoing security operations from Moyale to Wajir to dismantle criminal networks.
He further announced that the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) will establish an office in Wajir within 30 days to curb rising cases of substance abuse.
Murkomen said more security personnel will be deployed to hotspot areas to reinforce peace efforts, with sub-county security teams already assessing regions that require additional National Police Reservists.
He added that modern security equipment, including drones, armoured vehicles, and aerial surveillance systems, will be rolled out to enhance the capacity of security agencies.
The CS at the same time underscored the importance of the 750-kilometre Isiolo–Modogashe–Wajir–Kotulo–Rhamu–Elwak–Mandera highway, terming it a game-changer for transport, security, and trade.
He assured residents that the government is providing adequate security to contractors to ensure timely completion of the road and other key development projects.
“Ultimately, it is development that will bring lasting peace to Wajir and other historically marginalised parts of the country. That is why we are prioritising the completion of the Isiolo–Mandera highway and similar initiatives to open up this region,” he said.
Murkomen also highlighted ongoing police reforms, including a proposal to address overstretched deployments where officers serve in one area for prolonged periods without transfers, while assuring improved police welfare through provision of new vehicles, water points, and additional police stations.
Murkomen was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, Gilbert Masengeli, Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, GSU Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, NACADA CEO, Dr Anthony Omerikwa, and other senior security and administrative officers.
The CS urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by sharing timely information, saying their cooperation had been instrumental in maintaining stability across the region.