All police officers currently on leave were directed to return to duty with immediate effect on Wednesday to support enhanced security operations ahead of the upcoming festive season.
The directive aims to ensure the safety of Kenyans during the holidays.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo announced that all Regional and County Security and Intelligence Committees have been tasked with activating Multi-Agency Command Centres, which will feature personnel from various security agencies.
“These command centres will be operational around the clock, seven days a week. The National Police Service will coordinate festive season operations in all counties through dedicated operation orders,” Omollo said.
The security coordination will be overseen by the National Multi-Agency Command Centre (NMACC) at Lang’ata Barracks, supported by Regional (RMACCs) and County (CMACCs) centres. The centres will work together to address security threats and maintain public order.
A combined force of officers from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, and Kenya Forestry Service will form part of the effort.
“A total of 10,317 officers from various agencies have been deployed to maintain public safety and address violations during this period,” Omollo confirmed.
As part of the increased security presence, specialized units such as the all-female Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team and undercover officers will be deployed alongside regular police officers. These teams will intensify patrols and surveillance in major towns, places of worship, and critical infrastructure areas.
Additionally, the National Police Service, in partnership with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), will ensure compliance with traffic regulations for both private motorists and commercial vehicles. Border control agencies will also strengthen security at all exit and entry points to facilitate smooth passenger movement.
Omollo, speaking during a press briefing at his Harambee House office, also highlighted plans to safeguard tourists visiting coastal resorts, inland attractions, and national parks. Local and international tourists’ safety will be a priority, with the National Police Service and Kenya Wildlife Service collaborating to ensure secure environments at these destinations.
Security teams will also focus on preventing inter-communal conflicts, countering terrorism, and enforcing community policing efforts. The National Police Service, in partnership with the National Alcohol Control Committee, will conduct nationwide crackdowns on drugs and illicit alcohol.
The Ministry of Defense will support regional and County Security Committees by providing logistics and air assets when necessary.
“We urge all citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement officers to ensure the safety of all, especially vulnerable communities such as women, children, and persons with disabilities,” Omollo added. “We also encourage the public to report any suspicious activity to local police stations or via the police hotlines, including 999, 112, 911, and #FichuakwaDCI 0800 722 203.”
Shopping malls, entertainment venues, and event organizers have also been urged to collaborate with local security teams to enhance safety measures, particularly during large public gatherings.
