Government rolls out six-point security plan to protect citizens, tourists during festive season

Police deployed in Nairobi, CBD/FILE

The government has unveiled six comprehensive measures aimed at strengthening security for citizens and visitors as the country enters the festive season, a period traditionally marked by increased travel, heightened social activity, and a surge in domestic and international tourism .

In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Interior said the overall security situation across the country remains calm and stable.

It however, noted that based on past trends, the festive season often records isolated increases in security incidents, traffic violations, and opportunistic criminal activity, prompting enhanced preparedness and coordination.

At the core of the government’s strategy is the activation of the National Multi-Agency Command Centre (NMACC), which will coordinate surveillance, intelligence sharing, and rapid response operations before, during, and after the festive period.

The centre is manned by officers drawn from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, National Intelligence Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forestry Service, National Youth Service, and the National Government Administration.

Similar command centres have also been operationalised at regional and county levels to strengthen command and control across the country.

The second measure involves the deployment of additional security personnel to enhance visibility and coverage nationwide.

“The teams have been stationed at all entry and exit points, including airports and border crossings, as well as high-traffic locations such as hotels, shopping malls, public beaches, tourist sites, Central Business Districts, critical infrastructure installations, places of worship, and entertainment joints,” the statement said.

All officers previously on leave have resumed duty, with support from specialised police units and logistical and air support from the Ministry of Defence where required.

To address road safety concerns, the government has launched a nationwide traffic operation led by the National Transport and Safety Authority in collaboration with the Traffic Police Department.

The operation focuses on easing traffic flow and enhancing safety on major highways and urban roads.

In line with National Council on the Administration of Justice resolutions, the exercise includes multi-agency coordination, deployment of Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission officers to deter corruption, use of mobile courts, and application of both physical and electronic enforcement measures, particularly along high-risk corridors.

The fourth measure centres on counter-terrorism preparedness. Regional and County Security Committees have intensified surveillance and operations while implementing Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism County Action Plans, with special attention on safeguarding critical infrastructure and large public gatherings .

Additionally, a nationwide crackdown targeting illicit brews and drug abuse has been launched, led by NACADA in collaboration with national government administrative officers and the police.

Authorities say the operation will be sustained to curb production, sale, and consumption of dangerous substances that pose a major threat to public safety.

Security agencies have also escalated targeted operations against organised criminal gangs across several regions, while also addressing cultural and social crimes such as female genital mutilation, defilement, early pregnancies, forced marriages, domestic violence, and religious extremism.

The government urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement, and report suspicious activities through toll-free hotlines as it reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful and secure festive season.