Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Friday, July 24, 2026, officially launched Kolowa Sub-County in Tiaty Constituency, Baringo County, describing the move as a major milestone in consolidating security gains and bringing government services closer to residents after years of limited access.

Speaking at Kolowa Market, Murkomen said the establishment of the new administrative unit forms part of the government’s efforts to improve service delivery while sustaining peace in an area that has experienced insecurity for years.

“This is not merely the creation of another administrative unit. It is a major milestone in our Government’s deliberate effort to correct decades of historical marginalisation,” Murkomen said.

The event was attended by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich and Tiaty MP William Kamket.

Government brings services closer

Murkomen said the launch of Kolowa Sub-County would strengthen access to government services, noting that residents previously travelled long distances to access essential services.

Among the developments already implemented are the establishment of a Civil Registration Services Centre, deployment of national identity card registration teams, and the operationalisation of two divisions, nine locations and 25 sub-locations across Baringo County.

He said the government remains committed to expanding administrative services in the area.

“I am particularly delighted because the establishment of this new sub-county will consolidate the significant gains we have made in securing this region while bringing essential government services closer to the people,” he said.

The Cabinet Secretary also announced the handover of 81 motorcycles to chiefs across Baringo County to improve mobility, 40 computers to 20 police stations to enhance service delivery, and 20 complete sports kits for youth teams to promote social cohesion.

Security gains highlighted

Murkomen thanked residents of Kolowa and the wider Tiaty community for supporting government efforts to restore peace through voluntary surrender of illegal firearms and cooperation with security agencies.

He said the collaboration had contributed to improved security and normalcy in the region.

“Families now live without fear, children are back in school, businesses are thriving, and neighbours are once again trading and interacting peacefully. Schools that had previously been closed along the Baringo–Elgeyo Marakwet border have reopened, and banditry, which for many years defined this region, has significantly diminished.”

He added that the launch of the sub-county was both a celebration of the progress made and a commitment to sustaining peace.

Murkomen noted that the government would continue investing in infrastructure, security and public services to support development in the region.

More projects planned

The Interior CS said Kolowa Police Station will receive a police vehicle once the government’s ongoing vehicle leasing programme is completed.

He also said five divisions, 14 locations and 48 sub-locations already gazetted in Baringo County but yet to become operational due to budgetary constraints will be prioritised as resources become available.

Murkomen further announced that interviews for chiefs and assistant chiefs in four new locations and six new sub-locations within Kolowa had already been completed.

To strengthen security and improve connectivity, he said the government is working with the Ministry of Roads and Transport to develop strategic security roads in Kolowa, Tiaty Central and Tiaty East sub-counties.

At the same time, he said the National Police Service is undertaking a security assessment along the Baringo–Samburu border to facilitate the deployment of additional formed police units.

Murkomen also announced that verification of village elders across the country had been completed and that approved elders would soon begin receiving their stipends directly through their mobile phones. He said the programme recognises the role village elders play in promoting peace, supporting community policing and strengthening local administration.