Nyanza security agencies have heightened operations ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, with 24-hour emergency response centres now active in several counties.
Regional commissioner Flora Mworoa said the centres will respond to crime reports and accidents on a 24 hour basis through dedicated hotlines.
She said a full festive-season operation plan is already in place, with police deployed to busy towns, rural areas, highways and border points.
Officers who were on leave have also been recalled to boost security coverage.
Mworoa said traffic enforcement has been intensified in partnership with the National Transport and Safety Authority to curb drunk driving.
“Alcoblow tests will be conducted on major highways and police will target overlapping and other traffic offences that usually cause major snarl-ups at points such as Ahero,” he said.
The RC spoke in Kisumu after a regional security committee meeting,
Surveillance at border points has been strengthened to prevent the movement of criminals and wanted persons, while anti-terror units remain alert throughout the festive period.
Mworoa urged residents to cooperate with security teams, saying everyone has a role to play in keeping the region safe.
Security teams have also increased patrols in tourist attraction areas, including lakeshores, parks and beaches, working closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Patrols on Lake Victoria and other waterways have been boosted to safeguard visitors.
“More officers have been deployed to areas previously affected by inter-communal conflicts, especially parts of Migori county, to prevent possible flare-ups during the holidays,” Mworoa said.
She said the national crackdown on illicit alcohol and drugs has
been intensified to address rising cases of gender-based violence and substance
abuse.
The Ministry of Defence will provide logistical support where
necessary, especially in areas that require specialised mobility, Mworoa said.
On street lighting concerns in Kisumu, the county government has
committed to repairing lights along major road, including the Busia and
Kakamega.
Highway patrols will continue to prevent robberies and carjackings
along poorly lit routes, she said.
Mworoa assured residents that police officers are fully deployed
and will remain vigilant throughout the festive period to ensure people
celebrate safely.
