Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has stepped up the government’s security efforts in Laikipia North, saying operations will be intensified across the wider region to address insecurity and illegal firearms.
Murkomen said the government was working closely with local elders and community leaders to strengthen peaceful coexistence among the different communities living in Laikipia, a multi-ethnic county that has experienced security challenges.
The CS said he held a consultative meeting with elders from Laikipia North who briefed him on peace initiatives they have undertaken to promote harmony among communities.
“Elders play a significant role in ensuring peaceful coexistence among communities,” Murkomen said after the meeting.
He commended the elders and Laikipia North MP Sarah Lekorere for their role in bringing together communities and promoting peaceful relations in the area.
The engagement comes as the government intensifies security operations in Laikipia and neighbouring counties, with Murkomen saying the focus will extend to Samburu and Isiolo.
“We are intensifying our operations in the wider region, including Samburu and Isiolo, until we take all guns out of the wrong hands and restore lasting peace,” he said.
The government has in recent months increased security operations in parts of northern Kenya affected by banditry and livestock theft. In February, Murkomen announced a major operation in Mukogodo Forest in Laikipia North targeting armed bandits accused of terrorising residents and stealing livestock.
Murkomen has also previously linked improved security in the region to the need for cooperation between security agencies, local leaders and communities.
Beyond security operations, the Interior Ministry plans to expand government services in underserved parts of the region through mobile registration of national identity cards.
Murkomen said the government would embark on mobile ID registration to reach residents who have difficulty accessing registration centres.
The move is intended to improve access to identification documents and government services, particularly in remote areas. The government has previously expanded mobile ID registration as part of efforts to reach underserved populations.
Murkomen also announced plans to create additional administrative units, saying the move would bring government services closer to wananchi.
The proposed expansion of administrative units would complement the mobile registration programme by making government services more accessible at the local level.
The government has continued to emphasise collaboration between security agencies, administrators, elected leaders and communities in addressing insecurity. The National Police Service has previously held security engagements in Laikipia involving Murkomen, local leaders and residents.
Murkomen’s latest engagement places community elders at the centre of efforts to complement government security operations through local peace initiatives, as authorities seek to address both the security and administrative challenges affecting residents of the wider region.