The government has announced the continued classification of 13 areas in Marsabit County as dangerous and security-disturbed, citing ongoing risks in the region. The extension will begin on December 23, 2025, at 6.30 pm, and remain in effect for the following 30 days.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, in a notice dated Friday, December 19, said the decision follows consultations with the National Security Council and is a continuation of previous declarations made in 2024 and earlier this year.
The areas affected are Hillo Gorgora, Hillo Orofa, Hillo Walkite, Hillo Tanzania, Hillo Irress Abamartille, Hillo Gootu, Hillo Tessum Qalicha, Hillo Karray, Hillo Hudda, Hillo Qoranjido, Hillo Irress Shindia, Hillo Rabaalee, and Hillo Godde Haroressa.
"The Cabinet Secretary for Interior, in consultation with the National Security Council, extends the declaration made on November 21, 2025, declaring parts of Marsabit County as security-disturbed and dangerous," Murkomen said.
"This notice shall take effect on December 23, 2025, as of 6.30 pm, for 30 days and may, at any time, be withdrawn or continued in force for such further period as the Cabinet Secretary may," he added.
The declaration is reinforced by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who has mandated that all firearms in the designated areas be handed over immediately to the nearest police station or National Government Administration offices.
Kanja noted that "all arms surrendered would be returned to their owners upon the revocation or termination of the said notice."
The move comes despite a push from Members of Parliament who have urged the government to lift the designation. On November 29, MPs from the Administration and Internal Security Committee visited the regions, meeting local residents, leaders, and security personnel.
After evaluating the situation, the lawmakers concluded that the alert should be removed.
Since its first issuance on September 3, 2024, the security-disturbed classification for these areas has been repeatedly extended, including renewals in October 2024, May 2025, and now December 2025, reflecting ongoing concerns over stability in Marsabit.