Security agencies at the Coast have enhanced surveillance to avert security threats in the region.

Coast Regional Commissioner John Elungata said more stringent security measures had been put in place ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities in anticipation of high numbers of visitors.

“We want the public and holidaymakers to fully enjoy these festivities peacefully but this calls for everybody’s involvement because bad elements in the society might use such joyous occasions to disrupt the peace,” said Elungata (pictured).

He noted that the patrolling will help monitor the shorelines and offer help in cases of emergencies.

“We have stepped up security measures and mobilised adequate security personnel to guarantee safety and security of all tourist sites in Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale and Lamu to ensure a trouble-free holiday season,” he said.

The agencies, he said, were on high alert and would be conducting routine patrols and checking of vehicles and people around highways and tourist and public spots.

The regional administrator said the government had taken deliberate steps to ensure that people are safe and secure.

“We are alive to the security threats currently facing Kampala, Uganda and we don’t want to take chances here especially during this festive season,” he said.