Through an appeal to Parliament, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen has asked for more funds to be allocated for construction of security roads, improvement of police housing and procurement of modern communication equipment in remote and banditry-prone areas.
While responding to questions on national security and administration before the Senate Plenary, Murkomen emphasized the crucial connection between developing infrastructure and achieving long-term peace and stability.
He outlined that the government through Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) is making headway in areas affected by insecurity. These are Kerio Valley, Samburu, Laikipia, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, and parts of Meru and the CS also said that the atmosphere of peace has taken root in many of these places with markets reopening and schools going on as usual.
Murkomen attributed the turnaround to the good relationship which went on between security agents, local leaders, and the public through Jukwaa la Usalama forums that were held in all 47 counties.
The CS observed that these forums have been a powerful platform for deepening community-level security measures and breaking down the barrier of mistrust between citizens and law enforcement agencies.
On the other hand, Murkomen warned that the maintenance of peace in regions that have a history of violence will depend on further investments in infrastructure.
“Banditry cannot be defeated by firing guns and arresting culprits but through developing infrastructure such as roads and by improving security gadgets,” was his argument.
Besides that, he brought out that roads do not only facilitate the mobility and quick reaction of security officers but also make it possible for the previously hard-to-reach areas to be opened up for development, trade, and essential services.
“Security is the vehicle for development and vice versa. So when we are talking about our infrastructural projects, it is not only a matter of enhancing security, it is also about giving back the long-lost dignity and creating new opportunities for these isolated communities,” he said.
Murkomen pointed out the government’s desire to upgrade the security sector by introducing modern methods and also maintaining every Kenyan’s right to be safe and to have access to services where ever he/she is.
He kept urging MPs to be on the side of the Ministry by approving its budgetary requests. He therefore concluded by saying that if there was enough funding, Kenya would be able to build a nation that is more resilient, better connected, and peaceful.
