By Steve Sabai
As the Christmas and New Year festive season approaches, Kenya is gearing up for a time filled with travel, celebrations, and social gatherings. From bustling shopping malls and recreational spaces to religious ceremonies and outdoor entertainment events, the holiday period is expected to attract a surge in both local and international tourism. With this increase in activity, ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and visitors is of paramount importance.
Though the current security situation across the country remains calm, experience has shown that festive seasons often bring an uptick in criminal activities. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and muggings are more likely to occur in crowded areas like shopping malls and public transport terminals. Criminals target valuables such as mobile phones, jewelry, and handbags, especially in places where large crowds gather. Home burglaries also pose a threat, particularly in areas where families travel upcountry, leaving their homes unattended. Road safety remains a critical concern, as traffic violations like drunk driving, speeding, and the use of unlicensed public transport vehicles contribute to road fatalities. These preventable accidents continue to be one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths in the country.
As the shopping frenzy intensifies during the festive period, the market sees an influx of counterfeit goods, including electronics and toys. Online fraudsters exploit this rush, tricking unsuspecting buyers with fake promotions and offers. Criminals also take advantage of the holiday season to distribute illicit drugs and exploit vulnerable children in urban centers, forcing them into begging or other illegal activities. In addition to these risks, noise violations and unauthorized gatherings often create public nuisances that can escalate into violence. The North Eastern region and Boni Enclave remain under close security surveillance due to the ongoing threat of terrorism.
Compounding these security concerns is the forecasted La Niña weather pattern, which could lead to severe dryness in the Eastern region, prompting disaster response teams to stay on high alert in anticipation of potential emergencies.
In response to these challenges, the government has launched a comprehensive multi-agency security plan to ensure the safety and well-being of all Kenyans and visitors during the festive season. This plan includes enhanced security measures at key locations such as airports, border crossings, hotels, shopping malls, public beaches, and tourist sites. Critical infrastructure and places of worship will also see increased security presence. To tackle the rising threat of road traffic accidents, additional traffic officers have been deployed across the country. Their focus will be on ensuring compliance with traffic laws, particularly in preventing drunk driving, overloading, and the use of unlicensed vehicles.
A total of 10,317 officers from various security agencies, including the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forestry Service, and Kenya Coast Guard Service, have been mobilized to maintain public safety. Specialized units, such as the all-female Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team and undercover officers, will also be deployed to increase patrols and visibility in major towns, tourist attractions, and critical infrastructure areas. The National Multi-Agency Command Centre (NMACC), located at Lang’ata Barracks, will coordinate security operations across the country, with support from regional and county command centers. This multi-agency collaboration ensures a seamless and effective response to any emerging threats.
To ensure a smooth festive season, all regional and county security committees have operationalized multi-agency command centers that will operate 24/7. Police officers on leave have been recalled to duty to bolster manpower. Border control agencies are ensuring the security of entry and exit points, while public transport vehicles will be closely monitored for compliance with safety regulations. Security teams will also work to protect local and international tourists visiting coastal resorts, national parks, and other popular tourist destinations. Measures will be implemented to prevent and manage inter-community conflicts, safeguard against terrorism, and combat drug and alcohol abuse nationwide.
As we approach this festive season, the government is calling on all Kenyans to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement officers. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the police hotlines—999, 112, 911, or #FichuakwaDCI (0800 722 203). Business owners, event organizers, and shopping mall proprietors are urged to collaborate with local security teams to enhance safety measures, particularly with the expected large crowds.
Travelers and shoppers are advised to exercise caution with their personal belongings, and online shoppers should verify the authenticity of platforms before making purchases. The public is also cautioned against participating in unlicensed raffles or lotteries during this festive period.
The government remains committed to ensuring a peaceful and secure holiday season for all. The dedication and tireless efforts of our multi-agency teams and security personnel are deeply appreciated. By working together, we can enjoy a safe, joyous, and peaceful festive season.
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By Steve Sabai
As the Christmas and New Year festive season approaches, Kenya is gearing up for a time filled with travel, celebrations, and social gatherings. From bustling shopping malls and recreational spaces to religious ceremonies and outdoor entertainment events, the holiday period is expected to attract a surge in both local and international tourism. With this increase in activity, ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and visitors is of paramount importance.
Though the current security situation across the country remains calm, experience has shown that festive seasons often bring an uptick in criminal activities. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and muggings are more likely to occur in crowded areas like shopping malls and public transport terminals. Criminals target valuables such as mobile phones, jewelry, and handbags, especially in places where large crowds gather. Home burglaries also pose a threat, particularly in areas where families travel upcountry, leaving their homes unattended. Road safety remains a critical concern, as traffic violations like drunk driving, speeding, and the use of unlicensed public transport vehicles contribute to road fatalities. These preventable accidents continue to be one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths in the country.
As the shopping frenzy intensifies during the festive period, the market sees an influx of counterfeit goods, including electronics and toys. Online fraudsters exploit this rush, tricking unsuspecting buyers with fake promotions and offers. Criminals also take advantage of the holiday season to distribute illicit drugs and exploit vulnerable children in urban centers, forcing them into begging or other illegal activities. In addition to these risks, noise violations and unauthorized gatherings often create public nuisances that can escalate into violence. The North Eastern region and Boni Enclave remain under close security surveillance due to the ongoing threat of terrorism.
Compounding these security concerns is the forecasted La Niña weather pattern, which could lead to severe dryness in the Eastern region, prompting disaster response teams to stay on high alert in anticipation of potential emergencies.
In response to these challenges, the government has launched a comprehensive multi-agency security plan to ensure the safety and well-being of all Kenyans and visitors during the festive season. This plan includes enhanced security measures at key locations such as airports, border crossings, hotels, shopping malls, public beaches, and tourist sites. Critical infrastructure and places of worship will also see increased security presence. To tackle the rising threat of road traffic accidents, additional traffic officers have been deployed across the country. Their focus will be on ensuring compliance with traffic laws, particularly in preventing drunk driving, overloading, and the use of unlicensed vehicles.
A total of 10,317 officers from various security agencies, including the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forestry Service, and Kenya Coast Guard Service, have been mobilized to maintain public safety. Specialized units, such as the all-female Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team and undercover officers, will also be deployed to increase patrols and visibility in major towns, tourist attractions, and critical infrastructure areas. The National Multi-Agency Command Centre (NMACC), located at Lang’ata Barracks, will coordinate security operations across the country, with support from regional and county command centers. This multi-agency collaboration ensures a seamless and effective response to any emerging threats.
To ensure a smooth festive season, all regional and county security committees have operationalized multi-agency command centers that will operate 24/7. Police officers on leave have been recalled to duty to bolster manpower. Border control agencies are ensuring the security of entry and exit points, while public transport vehicles will be closely monitored for compliance with safety regulations. Security teams will also work to protect local and international tourists visiting coastal resorts, national parks, and other popular tourist destinations. Measures will be implemented to prevent and manage inter-community conflicts, safeguard against terrorism, and combat drug and alcohol abuse nationwide.
As we approach this festive season, the government is calling on all Kenyans to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement officers. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the police hotlines—999, 112, 911, or #FichuakwaDCI (0800 722 203). Business owners, event organizers, and shopping mall proprietors are urged to collaborate with local security teams to enhance safety measures, particularly with the expected large crowds.
Travelers and shoppers are advised to exercise caution with their personal belongings, and online shoppers should verify the authenticity of platforms before making purchases. The public is also cautioned against participating in unlicensed raffles or lotteries during this festive period.
The government remains committed to ensuring a peaceful and secure holiday season for all. The dedication and tireless efforts of our multi-agency teams and security personnel are deeply appreciated. By working together, we can enjoy a safe, joyous, and peaceful festive season.
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ReplyForward
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