Gov't Announces 6 Measures to Enhance Security During the Festive Season

The Ministry of Interior has announced a raft of security measures aimed at safeguarding Kenyans and visitors during the festive season.

In a statement on Wednesday, December 17, the ministry said the overall security situation remains stable, but cautioned that the festive period has historically been associated with isolated security incidents and traffic.

It noted that while the country remains generally secure, past experiences show the need for proactive measures to address emerging risks.

"As the country enters the festive season, we recognize this period as one marked by increased travel, heightened activity in various social places, and a surge in both domestic and international tourism.

"The overall security situation across the country remains calm and stable, but based on past trends, we are aware that this period may see isolated increases in security incidents, traffic violations, and other opportunistic criminal activities," the statement read.

To respond to these risks, the government said it has activated a high-level coordination mechanism bringing together multiple security and enforcement agencies.

"The National Multi-Agency Command Centre (NMACC) has been activated to coordinate surveillance, intelligence sharing, and rapid response before, during, and after the festive season. The Centre is manned by 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 National government Administration," the statement added.

The ministry explained that additional personnel have been deployed nationwide to enhance visibility and response capacity.

It further stated that officers on leave have resumed duty and security teams positioned at key locations across the country.

"Officers deployed to provide enhanced security coverage and presence across the country have been drawn from the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forestry Service,National Youth Service and the Kenya Coast Guard Service.

"All officers previously on leave have resumed duty and the teams have been stationed at all entry and exit points, including airports and border crossings, as well as high-traffic locations such as hotels, shopping malls, public beaches, tourist sites, Central Business Districts, critical infrastructure installations, places of worship, and entertainment joints," the statement continued.

On road safety, the government said a nationwide operation has been rolled out to manage traffic and reduce accidents during the busy travel period.

The operation, the ministry said, will also address corruption and improve coordination among enforcement agencies.

"The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), in collaboration with the Traffic Police Department, has launched a nationwide traffic operation to facilitate traffic flow and enhance road safety on major highways and urban roads.

"In line with the resolutions of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ, the operation includes deployment of EACC officers to monitor enforcement and deter corruption, multi-agency coordination and information-sharing for unified traffic law enforcement, and prioritization of joint enforcement and visibility, especially in high-risk corridors," the statement further read.

Additionally, to strengthen enforcement, the government said judicial mechanisms will be used where necessary.

"Mobile courts will also be deployed where necessary, and physical and electronic measures will be used for deterrence and enforcement," the statement noted.

On terrorism and violent extremism, the ministry said regional and county security structures have stepped up preparedness and surveillance.

"Regional and County Security Committees have reinforced counter-terrorism preparedness and are actively implementing Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) County Action Plans. The teams have intensified surveillance and operations, with particular focus on safeguarding critical infrastructure and large public gatherings," the statement noted.

The government also announced a nationwide operation targeting illicit brews and drugs, which it said pose a major threat to public safety.

"A nationwide crackdown, led by NACADA, has been launched targeting the trade and abuse of illicit brews and drugs. In collaboration with NGAOs and police officers, the Authority will sustain the operation targeting to cut the production, sale, and consumption of dangerous substances, which remain a major threat to public safety and security," the statement read.

In addition, security agencies have intensified operations against organised criminal gangs and harmful social practices in several regions.

"Alongside intensified operations against organized criminal gangs operating in Nairobi, the Coast, Western, Nyanza, Central, and Eastern regions, security teams have escalated targeted enforcement measures to address cultural and social crimes, including FGM, defilement, early pregnancies, forced marriages, domestic violence, and religious extremism," the statement added.

Further, the ministry emphasised that security is a shared responsibility and called on the public to work closely with law enforcement officers.

Motorists have also been advised to plan their journeys carefully and consider alternative routes to avoid congestion, especially on major roads.

"With the understanding that public safety is a shared responsibility, we urge all wananchito remain vigilant and to cooperate fully with law enforcement officers throughout the festive season.

"Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance, adjust travel schedules while en route, and make use of alternative routes where necessary to avoid congestion. In particular, travelers from Nairobi to the Western and Nyanza regions are encouraged to use the Nairobi-Suswa-Narok route as an alternative to the Mai Mahiu escarpment. Heading through the Central region via Nairobi-Nyeri-Nyahururu-Nakuru route can also facilitate smoother and safer travel," the statement further read.

The ministry also urged private sector players involved in public events and entertainment to coordinate closely with security agencies.

"We also urge owners of shopping malls, entertainment venues, and event organizers to liaise closely with area security teams to coordinate crowd management and strengthen existing private security arrangements," the statement concluded.

This comes a week after Mombasa County Police Commander Peter Kimani announced new safety measures for beaches in Mombasa ahead of the festive season, including a mandatory clearing of the ocean by 6pm.

Speaking on Wednesday, December 10, he said the measures aim to ensure safe celebrations, especially with the anticipated rise in both local and international visitors.

"When it reaches 6pm, police officers will blow whistles to instruct people to get out of the water so we can prevent incidents caused by high tide and possible drowning. We also have the County Government, KWS, the Kenya Navy and Coast Guard boats on standby," he said.

Kimani added that security agencies have strengthened surveillance and coordination on beaches expected to attract large crowds.

He said several agencies have already been mobilised to ensure beachgoers enjoy themselves without interruptions.

"At the beaches where we expect large crowds, including local tourists, we have activated the beach management committees, which consist of KWS, general police, tourist police and the Coast Guard, to ensure that people celebrating there are not disturbed by beach boys and hawkers," he added.

Additionally, event organisers have been placed under new guidelines to ensure proper planning and coordination.

He noted that anyone planning to host events must follow notification and permit procedures to allow authorities to prepare adequate security arrangements.

"Those who are planning to hold events should give a three-day notification and also inform the County Government so that they can be issued with a permit, after which we will provide security for those facilities. 

"We know many hotels have planned such celebrations, and it is important that we have proper coordinated measures in place," he further said.