Yes, guns are silent in hitherto troubled regions

 

Kenya has witnessed a steady reduction in both homegrown and transnational crimes that have haunted the country for long with deadly consequences including loss of lives.

Over the last two years, cases of cattle rustling and banditry have gone down. The guns and arrows in the infamous North Rift have gone silent, paving the way for important noise from machinery working on development projects. Residents of Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Samburu, Turkana Baringo and other banditry-prone areas are enjoying peace and adapting to normal lives.

The regions are now beaming with life with all persons who were displaced by banditry having returned to their homes. The government has reconstructed infrastructure including schools to cope with the high admission rates being recorded. Interior and National Administration PS Raymond Omollo has disclosed that it took concerted efforts of the National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Intelligence Service (NIS) and local communities for calm to be restored.

The deployment of specialised units including the General Service Unit (GSU), Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) and Special Operations Group (SOG) played a pivotal role in fighting banditry and cattle rustling. These units are equipped with advanced training and technology to neutralise threats and dismantle criminal networks.

Beyond boots on the ground, security agencies have embraced community policing and engaging locals to fight crime. By involving elders, local administrators and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), they have fostered trust and promoted a culture of sharing information on criminal activities.

In regions like Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo, peace committees comprising representatives from rival communities have been instrumental in mediating disputes and fostering co-existence. These grassroots initiatives have not only reduced tensions but also ensured that the gains in security are sustainable. Apart from banditry, security agencies have dealt with terrorism threats posed by terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS. The reduction of terror attacks is not by accident but as a result of robust counter-terrorism operations in the country especially in Lamu and Northeastern regions.

Over the festive season, Kenyans made merry without worry of a terror attack as security personnel were watching over them. The travel advisories from Western powers that are often sent out during the festive season were nowhere, meaning Kenya has contained terror threats. 

NIS has significantly improved its capabilities in gathering and analysing information and intelligence, especially on existential threats like terrorism. This has allowed security agencies to pre-empt attacks and dismantle terror cells before they can cause harm. Notable operations along the Kenya-Somalia border and within urban centres have disrupted logistics networks and apprehended key operatives, crippling the ability of terror groups to strike.

Technology has also been a game-changer in securing the country. The introduction of integrated surveillance systems, including CCTV networks in major cities and border monitoring systems, has given security agencies a critical edge.

These tools, combined with data analytics and artificial intelligence, have enabled proactive responses to emerging threats. Advanced surveillance in Nairobi and Mombasa has drastically reduced criminal activities, including terrorism-related incidents.

However, the underlying socio-economic challenges such as poverty, unemployment and inequality must be addressed to ensure lasting peace.

The writer is a communications consultant