A wider security sweep has been rolled out by the Interior ministry after more areas in parts of northern and central Kenya were placed under a special classification that allows intensified operations targeting armed criminal groups and related activities.
Through a Kenya Gazette notice shared on X by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Friday, March 27, 2026, the government announced the addition of more locations within Laikipia County, Meru County, Samburu County and Isiolo County to the list of areas considered security-disturbed and dangerous.
The decision, officials say, is part of a broader push to strengthen ongoing security efforts aimed at tackling banditry, restoring calm and improving safety for residents living in regions that have experienced repeated incidents involving armed groups and livestock theft.
The notice indicates that the declaration was made in accordance with the National Police Service Act 2011, following consultations with the National Security Council. It further states that the Cabinet Secretary exercised legal authority to formally classify the affected zones under the security-disturbed category.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 106 (1) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, in consultation with the National Security Council, has made a declaration, declaring parts of Isiolo, Samburu and Laikipia Counties as security disturbed and dangerous,” the notice reads in part.
Samburu County coverage
Several divisions and locations within Samburu County have been included in the expanded designation. In Lorroki Division, Amaiya Location and Suguta Marmar fall under the classification, with Suguta Marmar Town excluded.
Within Malaso Division, Loosuk, Poro and Angata Nanyukie are listed. In Baragoi Division, the affected areas include Baragoi Location, Elbarta Location, Ndoto Location, Suyan Location, Nachola Location, Marti Location and Latakweny Location.
The Gazette also identifies additional zones in Wamba Division, excluding Wamba Town, alongside Sereolipi Location and Ndonyo Wasin in Sereolipi Division, as well as Waso West and Waso East locations under Waso Division.
Laikipia County
In Laikipia County, Mukogodo Location, Sieku Location, Makurian Location and Ilgwesi Location have been designated as security-disturbed and dangerous. Authorities say the classification will guide increased patrols, intelligence gathering and enforcement measures in these areas.
Meru County
Parts of Meru County have also been brought under the same status. These include Mlima Rasta and Mlima Lombolio in Kamberia Sub-location, as well as the Mworontoi Belt in Gambela Sub-location.
The notice further lists the Nyambene Game Reserve covering Kisima and Chumviere sub-locations, and the Ngatho Dam Area in Igembe North Sub-county within Antuambui Sub-location. Security officials link these areas to repeated incidents tied to armed groups, livestock theft and movement of criminals across boundaries.
Isiolo County areas
In Isiolo County, the declaration focuses on high-risk locations in the northern part of the county. These include Sarova Game Reserve in Manyatta Zebra Sub-location, Lowarengishu Hills in Eremet Sub-location, Mutunyi Hills and Loruku Hills in Loruku Sub-location.
The Interior ministry says the classification will support joint operations involving police officers, national administration officers and specialised units working in coordination to address insecurity in the affected regions.
Douglas Kanja, the Inspector General of Police, is expected to oversee operational deployments as security agencies step up activity in the designated zones.
Duration of the measures
According to the Gazette notice, the declaration came into effect on March 27, 2026, at 6.00 p.m., and will remain in force for 30 days.
“This notice shall take effect on the 27th March, 2026, as from 6.00 p.m., for a period of thirty (30) days and may, at any time, be withdrawn or continued in force for such further period as the Cabinet Secretary may, in each case, by notice in the Gazette direct,” the notice states.
The Interior ministry says the temporary status is intended to allow more focused security operations, including disarmament drives and targeted actions against criminal networks operating within the affected areas.
Murkomen has maintained that the government is committed to restoring stability in the regions, noting that the expanded classification is part of a wider strategy to eliminate banditry and enhance protection for communities living in vulnerable zones.
