Gov’t Ramps Up Security Measures Ahead of Festive Season

By : Mweru Mbugua 

The government has assured Kenyans of enhanced security arrangements as the country prepares for the festive season, a time marked by increased travel, social activities and a rise in domestic and international tourism

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the national security situation remains calm and stable, but cautioned that the holiday period has historically seen isolated spikes in crime and traffic offences

To safeguard the public, Murkomen said the National Multi-Agency Command Centre has been activated to coordinate surveillance, intelligence sharing and rapid response before, during and after the festivities

The centre brings together officers from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, National Intelligence Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forestry Service, National Youth Service and the National Government Administration

He noted that security officers from various police units, alongside the Kenya Coast Guard Service, have been deployed nationwide, with all officers previously on leave recalled

Similar coordination centres have also been activated at regional and county levels to strengthen command and control

“These efforts are complemented by festive season operation orders implemented by the National Police Service to ensure intelligence-led operations and effective maintenance of law and order across the country,” Murkomen said

Security teams have been stationed at key entry and exit points, including airports and border crossings, as well as high-traffic areas such as hotels, shopping malls, beaches, tourist sites, central business districts, critical infrastructure, places of worship and entertainment venues

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Regional and county security committees have also intensified counter-terrorism preparedness and surveillance, particularly around large public gatherings and sensitive installations

In addition, the government has launched a nationwide crackdown on illicit brews and drugs, led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse in collaboration with the police

Operations against organised criminal gangs have been stepped up, alongside stricter enforcement against crimes such as female genital mutilation, defilement, early pregnancies, forced marriages, domestic violence and religious extremism

Murkomen urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies, stressing that public safety is a shared responsibility