By Aoma Keziah,
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Raymond Omollo has outlined the government’s preparations to ensure the safety and security of all Kenyans and visitors during the Christmas and New Year festive season. He emphasized that while the current security situation across the country remains stable, there are several key security concerns that require vigilance due to the unique challenges the festive period presents.
“This season is marked by increased travel, celebrations in places of worship, social gatherings in shopping malls and recreational spaces, and heightened local and international tourism activity . While we acknowledge the calm security situation, we have witnessed isolated cases of a marginal rise in crime rates and illegal activities in previous festive seasons.” He stated
His analysis identified several trends requiring close monitoring and action, including: Pickpocketing and muggings which are common in crowded areas such as shopping malls, markets, and transport terminals. Criminals often target valuables like mobile phones, jewelry, and handbags, the rise in burglaries is expected as homes are left unattended by families traveling upcountry for the holidays, issues such as drunk driving, speeding, and overloaded public transport vehicles contribute to road fatalities, which are often caused by preventable human error, the shopping rush often accompanied by an increase in counterfeit electronics, toys, and fraudulent online promotions targeting unsuspecting buyers, criminals taking  advantage of the holiday period to distribute drugs and exploit vulnerable children in urban centers for begging or illegal activities, particularly gender-based violence, unauthorized public gatherings and noise disturbances can escalate into violence and on terrorism threats, the North Eastern region and Boni Enclave remaining under close surveillance due to ongoing terrorism threats.
The PS also pointed out that the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued forecasts indicating La Niña conditions, which may result in severe drought in the Eastern region, he  emphasized the importance of proactive disaster preparedness, and confirmed that disaster response teams are on high alert.
Addressing the challenges on security, ensuring the safety of citizens and tourists,he mentioned that the government has activated a robust, multi-agency security plan, that  additional security has been deployed to key areas such as airports, hotels, shopping malls, public beaches, tourist sites, places of worship, and critical infrastructure in urban centers, increased deployment of traffic officers aiming to address reckless driving, speeding, and overloaded vehicles, noting that  Special attention will  be given to unlicensed public service vehicles, which often operate during the festive season to meet high travel demand, the National Multi-Agency Command Centre (NMACC) at Lang’ata Barracks, supported by regional and county command centers, will coordinate efforts to maintain public order. The NMACC will be staffed by officers from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, and Kenya Forestry Service.
Additionally,he said that there will be increased Police Presence stating that a total of 10,317 officers from various security agencies have been deployed, including the all-female Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and undercover officers, who will conduct intensified patrols and enhance surveillance in major towns, places of worship, and critical infrastructure.
Ps Omollo continued to say that the government has directed regional and county security and intelligence committees to operationalize Multi-Agency Command Centres, which will be manned 24/7, saying that all police officers on leave are instructed to return to duty immediately, that the National Police Service, in collaboration with the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA), will enforce strict compliance with traffic regulations, border control agencies are tasked with securing all entry and exit points to ensure smooth passenger movement, particularly during the holiday travel season.
“Security arrangements will be reinforced at resort facilities, tourist attraction sites, and national parks to ensure the safety of both local and international tourists, the government will activate nationwide crackdowns on drugs, illicit brews, and other illegal substances. Security teams will implement measures to safeguard against terrorism and enforce counter-terrorism plans in affected regions.” PS Omollo remarked.
He also  urged Kenyans to remain vigilant throughout the festive season, particularly in ensuring the safety of vulnerable groups such as women, children, and persons with disabilities,  encouraging the public to report any suspicious activities or crimes to the nearest police station or through the police hotline numbers 999, 112, 911, and #FichuakwaDCI 0800 722 203.
He urged the  proprietors of shopping malls, entertainment venues, and event organizers to collaborate with local security teams to enhance safety measures, especially in handling large crowds. Travellers and shoppers were also advised to exercise caution with personal belongings, avoid online fraud, and verify the authenticity of online shopping platforms before making purchases.
In conclusion,he  reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and peaceful festive season,  expressing gratitude to the multi-agency teams and security personnel for their continued dedication to safeguarding the nation.
