The government has reassured Kenyans that comprehensive security measures are firmly in place as the country heads into the festive season, a time typically marked by increased travel, heightened social interactions, and a surge in both domestic and international tourism. In a statement, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that the overall security situation across the country remains calm and stable. However, he cautioned that historical trends show the festive period can sometimes experience isolated spikes in criminal activity, road traffic violations, and other security-related incidents due to increased movement and public gatherings.
To proactively address these risks, the government has activated the National Multi-Agency Command Centre, which will oversee surveillance, intelligence sharing, and rapid response operations before, during, and after the festive season. The command centre brings together multiple security and enforcement agencies to ensure seamless coordination and swift decision-making.
Among the agencies represented at the centre are the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the National Police Service (NPS), the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Kenya Prisons Service, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the Kenya Forestry Service (KFS), the National Youth Service (NYS), and the National Government Administration. This integrated approach is aimed at strengthening national preparedness and enhancing the ability to respond to any emerging threats.
CS Murkomen further noted that security officers drawn from various police service units, alongside the Kenya Coast Guard Service, have been deployed across the country. As part of the heightened security posture, all officers previously on leave have been recalled to ensure adequate manpower during the busy holiday period. In addition to the national command centre, similar coordination hubs have been established at both regional and county levels. These centres are designed to enhance operational command and control, ensuring that security responses are well-coordinated and intelligence-led. The National Police Service has also operationalised specific festive season operation orders to maintain law and order and ensure public safety nationwide.
Security teams have been strategically stationed at key entry and exit points, including airports and border crossings, to monitor movement and deter criminal activity. High-traffic areas such as hotels, shopping malls, public beaches, tourist attractions, central business districts, critical infrastructure installations, places of worship, and entertainment venues are also under enhanced surveillance. Murkomen added that regional and county security committees have reinforced counter-terrorism preparedness and intensified surveillance, particularly around large public gatherings and sensitive installations. These measures aim to prevent security breaches and ensure that celebrations proceed peacefully.
Meanwhile, the government has launched a nationwide crackdown on illicit brews and illegal drugs. The operation is being spearheaded by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in collaboration with law enforcement agencies. The initiative seeks to curb substance abuse, which often rises during festive periods and contributes to crime and health risks.
Authorities have also intensified operations against organised criminal gangs while scaling up enforcement against harmful practices and crimes, including female genital mutilation (FGM), defilement, early pregnancies, forced marriages, domestic violence, and religious extremism. Concluding his statement, CS Murkomen urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to cooperate with security agencies. He emphasized that while the government is committed to safeguarding lives and property, public safety is a shared responsibility that requires active participation from all citizens. As the festive season approaches, the government’s message remains clear: Kenyans are encouraged to celebrate responsibly, remain alert, and work closely with law enforcement to ensure a safe and peaceful holiday period for everyone.
