Chiefs follow proceedings during jukwaa la Usalama forum in Garissa on September 25, 2025. /MINAMuslim female chiefs in Garissa have appealed to the government to provide them with tuk tuks, citing religious restrictions that prevent them from riding on motorbikes.
Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum hosted by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, the chiefs said they often arrive late to work because of unreliable and limited public transport.
“We are not allowed to ride on motorbikes, so our able CS, with all due respect, we want you or the President to look into providing us at least tuk tuks or Alto so that we have something to drive,” one of the chiefs said.
“Currently, if a problem arises in your jurisdiction, you must make calls for public transport to pick you up and you pay fare. You will be late on your job because sometimes the vehicle has a problem,” she added.
They explained that while Islam treats women equally to men, it places strong emphasis on protecting women’s dignity.
Riding on motorbikes, they said, risks compromising modesty due to windy conditions or the possibility of accidental falls.
Commenting on the wider security situation in the county, Murkomen said Garissa remained peaceful and secure, but stressed that security and development were inseparable.
“That is why we are keen on initiating and completing roads, markets, water, and energy projects in this region,” he said.
He noted that cross-border threats from Somalia had been largely contained by the multi-agency security team in Garissa through close collaboration with local communities.
“Our security agencies remain vigilant and ready to deal with any threats from any quarter,” he said.
Murkomen also said the government was following up on commitments by development partners to accelerate the Shirika Plan, which will boost investment and opportunities for both host communities and refugees after recent funding cuts by traditional donors such as the United States.
Garissa county hosts the Dadaab Refugee Complex.
“Already, Dadaab has been upgraded to a municipality, and several infrastructure projects are lined up for implementation,” the CS added.
Murkomen was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, DIG-APS Gilbert Masengeli, DCI Director Mohamed Amin, GSU Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, Principal Administrative Secretary Beverly Opwora, IPOA Chairman Ahmed Issack Hassan, and Nacada CEO Anthony Omerikwa among other senior officers.
They were joined by Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, Lagdera MP Abdikadir Mohamed, County Assembly Speaker Abdi Idle Gure, MCAs, and other leaders.
