Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has told the Senate that Kenya continues to maintain overall peace, even as challenges persist in the form of sporadic banditry, land disputes, resource conflicts, and incidents during peaceful demonstrations.
Speaking on Wednesday, Murkomen emphasized growing security threats linked to boda boda operators, including cases where vehicles are set ablaze following road accidents, a trend he noted is particularly pronounced in Western, Nyanza, and Nairobi regions.
The CS said his Ministry is collaborating closely with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and county governments to ensure boda boda riders are registered under Saccos and operate within specified zones.
“We are also exploring modalities to incorporate Sacco leaders into community policing to enhance accountability and support intelligence gathering. Criminal elements masquerading as boda boda operators will be prosecuted to protect the sector’s image and ensure it contributes optimally to the economy while preserving law and order,” Murkomen told senators.
Murkomen explained that while the boda boda sector has become a major source of employment for youths nationwide, insufficient regulation has caused disorder and insecurity due to unregistered riders and lack of accountability.
On broader security, the CS highlighted progress under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, a voluntary disarmament program that has retrieved over 600 firearms.
“Since my reassignment to the Ministry, we’ve made significant progress in curbing banditry and livestock theft across the North Rift and Upper Eastern regions. Through Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU), our security agencies have silenced the guns in Kerio Valley and neighbouring counties. Trading centres have reopened, children are back in school, and communities that once lived in fear now coexist peacefully,” he said.
To consolidate these gains, Murkomen said the Ministry will enhance the role of National Police Reservists, expand security road networks, and work with communities to manage grazing resources more effectively.
In cities, multi-agency operations targeting organized criminal gangs, including Panga Boys, Wakali Wao, Confirmed, Gaza, and 42 Brothers, have restored law and order.
“These networks have been disrupted, their leaders apprehended, and law and order restored in cities like Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu. Public spaces are safer, businesses are thriving again, and citizens can move freely without intimidation. We remain committed to preventing the resurgence of such gangs and ensuring urban safety,” Murkomen said.
Despite financial constraints, the Ministry has accelerated modernization of the National Police Service, through enhanced training, modern equipment, better housing, and digital systems.
“These reforms are strengthening discipline, professionalism, and efficiency, positioning our security agencies to better respond to emerging threats and serve citizens with integrity,” he said, citing the Digital Occurrence Book system, CCTV installations, and integrated data management for real-time coordination.
Additional measures include transfer and promotion policies for police officers, training and retraining programs for National Government Administration Officers, and decentralized uniform issuance to improve accountability.
“This year alone, we have trained 8,073 Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs in induction, paralegal, and security management courses. In addition, 804 Assistant County Commissioners (ACCs) have completed training and received Diplomas in Public Administration,” Murkomen noted.
The Ministry is also designing maternity uniforms for police and NGAOs to ensure inclusivity and dignity.
