Government Rolls Out Security Measures for Festive Season
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has announced comprehensive security measures to ensure the safety of citizens and visitors during the festive season and New Year celebrations.
Speaking on Wednesday during a press briefing,Interior and National Administration, Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo outlined the plans, accompanied by senior officials from various security agencies.
The briefing was accompanied by security agencies including the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Coast Guard Service, and the National Disaster Operations Centre.
Omollo emphasized the government’s commitment to public safety during a period characterized by increased travel, social gatherings and heightened tourism activities.
Comprehensive Security Plan the measures include the deployment of over 10,000 officers across the country to bolster security, particularly in high-risk areas, enhanced security coverage focusing on airports, border crossings, hotels, shopping malls, public beaches, and tourist sites.
He added that traffic control will also be heightened to address reckless driving, overloading and violations involving unlicensed public service vehicles.
At the same time,he stated that traffic officers will ensure smooth vehicle flow.
“A multi-agency security plan has been activated, with command centers established at the national, regional and county levels to coordinate operations 24/7,” he said.
The PS acknowledged that while the current security situation in the country remains calm, past festive seasons have seen isolated spikes in crime, such as home burglaries, car break-ins, traffic violations and muggings in crowded areas like markets and shopping malls.
Additional threats highlighted include,counterfeit goods and cybercrime targeting unsuspecting shoppers during the festive rush,noise violations and unauthorized gatherings,risks to local and international tourists in parks, reserves and coastal resorts.
He stated that the government has operationalized measures that address these including crackdowns on illicit drugs, increased patrols in vulnerable areas and coordination between the National Police Service and other security agencies.
He has announced an immediate directives and actions including activating multi-agency command centers nationwide, manned around the clock by personnel from all security agencies,ensuring compliance with traffic laws in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority,strengthening border control operations to monitor entry and exit points,coordinating safety measures for tourists visiting game reserves, national parks and coastal destinations.
He announced that the Ministry of Defence will support the efforts with logistical and air resources when needed.
The PS urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement, report suspicious activities and exercise caution during the festive period.
He called on the public to use hotlines (999, 222, and Fichua Kwa DCI 0800 722 203) to report crimes or emergencies.
“Business owners, entertainment organizers and mall operators were encouraged to coordinate with local security teams to manage crowds effectively,” he stated,advising travellers and online shoppers to safeguard personal belongings and verify the authenticity of online platforms before doing transactions while the public cautioned against participating in unlicensed raffles or lotteries.
“The government remains committed to safeguarding all citizens, visitors and vulnerable groups including women, children and persons with disabilities during this festive season,” Dr. Omollo assured.
He commended the multi-agency teams and security personnel for their dedication and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure holiday period.
