Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo, during an inspection of the Taveta-Holili One Stop Border Post./ MINA
Speaking during an inspection of the Taveta-Holili One Stop Border Post, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo, said the Government is working closely with county governments, health authorities and border management agencies to strengthen surveillance, screening and emergency response systems.
PS Omollo noted that Kenya continues to monitor developments in the region and has heightened preparedness measures at all points of entry and exit to ensure that any potential threat is detected and managed promptly.
“What we have done as a nation, working with all our officers at our points of entry and exit, is to ensure that we are adequately prepared to handle and deal with any case should it arise. Working together with the Ministry of Health, we have put in place isolation facilities and response mechanisms to protect our citizens,” he said.
The Principal Secretary explained that border officials continue to conduct screening and monitoring of travellers while working closely with public health teams to facilitate rapid detection and response.
He added that isolation facilities have been established and emergency response protocols activated in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and county governments.
PS Omollo further assured residents that the Government will continue to provide public awareness, regular updates and health advisories while maintaining vigilance along border areas.
While at the border post, the Principal Secretary received a briefing from security and border management agencies on emerging challenges affecting the Kenya-Tanzania border.
Among the issues highlighted were the smuggling of ethanol, entry of counterfeit products and other forms of illegal cross-border trade.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo, during an inspection of the Taveta-Holili One Stop Border Post./ MINA
PS Omollo directed agencies operating at the border to strengthen surveillance, enhance inter-agency coordination and ensure strict enforcement of laws governing trade and movement across the border.
He emphasised the need for continuous capacity building of officers working at border points to strengthen their ability to address emerging security, health and economic threats.
The Principal Secretary later met National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), where he commended them for their role in maintaining security, coordinating Government programmes and serving as the link between Government and citizens at the grassroots level.
He said the Government remains committed to strengthening the administrative cadre through enhanced training, facilitation and operational support. Discussions during the engagement focused on mobility, staffing and measures aimed at improving service delivery by administrators across the country.
PS Omollo noted that President William Ruto places great importance on the work undertaken by Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs and other NGAO officers and remains committed to ensuring they are adequately equipped and supported to carry out their responsibilities.
The Principal Secretary also met village elders from Taveta Constituency and called on them to continue supporting Government programmes on security, healthcare, education and community development.
Education featured prominently throughout the visit, with PS Omollo attending activities at Lesesia School and later presiding over a Prize Giving Day ceremony at Sowene Secondary School.
The Principal Secretary said education remains one of the most important investments any country can make, describing it as a tool that creates opportunity and empowers young people to contribute to national development.
He noted that the Government continues to invest heavily in the education sector through classroom construction, teacher recruitment and expansion of learning infrastructure across the country.
“Government will continue building classrooms, recruiting teachers and investing in education, but parents also have a responsibility to monitor their children’s progress, engage with teachers and support discipline and character development,” he said.
He further urged learners to remain disciplined, respect their teachers and parents and make full use of the opportunities available to them through education.
The Principal Secretary also called for the protection of school facilities, noting that incidents of arson and destruction of property undermine learning and divert resources that would otherwise be used to improve educational outcomes.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo, during an inspection of the Taveta-Holili One Stop Border Post./ MINA
He noted that Government institutions at both national and county levels continue to work together to find solutions to longstanding land challenges affecting communities in the region.
The visit also included inspections of the Affordable Housing Project in Taveta and other ongoing Government development initiatives. PS Omollo noted that continued investments in roads, markets, irrigation, healthcare, housing and education are aimed at improving livelihoods and creating opportunities for residents.
He concluded the visit by calling for continued collaboration between Government agencies, local leaders and communities in promoting public safety, supporting education and advancing development.
The Principal Secretary was accompanied by Taveta Member of Parliament Hon. John Bwire, Mogotio Member of Parliament Hon. Reuben Kiborek, senior Government officials, security officers and local leaders.
