By D, KNA
The Police department in Isiolo County has launched a toll-free emergency hotline and opened a joint command centre in a bid to fight incidents of insecurity reported in the area.
Residents can now report crimes and emergencies free of charge, following the introduction of the hotline and the command centre by the police in collaboration with the Regional Pastoralist Peace Link organisation.
The new emergency number which will be operational 24 hours a day is 0800 722 180 , allowing members of the public to report any incidents, receive emergency assistance, and access timely responses.
Isiolo Deputy County Commissioner Edwin Kuria said the initiative is aimed at strengthening community policing and improving emergency response mechanisms within the county.
The residents are required to report incidents directly to the command centre at any time, as the joint response centre would ensure there was faster reaction to emergencies and crimes as soon as they are reported.
Isiolo County Police Commander Paul Wambugu assured the public that the command centres will be staffed at all times for the investment to be successful.
“There will always be someone at the call centre to respond to any issues, day or night. We encourage the public to make responsible use of this service, especially in reporting criminal activities,” Wambugu said.
The programme is supported by the Regional Pastoralist Peace Link, which aims to bridge the gap between the police and communities, particularly in hard-to-reach areas often affected by insecurity.
A programme officer with the organisation Mr Mohamed Bare said the hotline will help tackle issues such as banditry, youth radicalisation, drug trafficking, and the petty crimes as well.
“We launched this toll-free number to support local communities in working closely with the police to address the growing security challenges,” he said.
Isiolo Secretary of Interfaith group Bishop Stephen Kalunyu welcomed the move noting that many people live far from police stations and also majority could not afford airtime.
