The government has expanded the list of security-disturbed and dangerous areas across parts of Laikipia, Meru, Samburu and Isiolo counties as part of intensified operations to combat banditry and restore stability in the region.

In the Kenya gazette notice shared by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on X on Friday, March 27, 2026, it states that the move reinforces ongoing security measures aimed at dismantling criminal networks and disarming armed groups operating in affected regions.

The declaration was formalised under the National Police Service Act. The notice also states that the Cabinet Secretary, in consultation with the National Security Council, invoked legal powers to designate specific locations as security-disturbed zones.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 106 (1) of the National Police Service Act, 2011, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, in consultation with the National Security Council, has made a declaration, declaring parts of Isiolo, Samburu and Laikipia Counties as security disturbed and dangerous,” the notice reads in part.

Gazetted regions in Samburu County

The Gazette identifies several divisions and locations within Samburu County as security-disturbed. These include areas in Lorroki Division such as Amaiya Location and Suguta Marmar (except Suguta Marmar Town).

In Malaso Division, the listed locations are Loosuk, Poro and Angata Nanyukie. Additional areas under Baragoi Division include Baragoi Location, Elbarta Location, Ndoto Location, Suyan Location, Nachola Location, Marti Location and Latakweny Location.

Other affected zones in Samburu include parts of Wamba Division (excluding Wamba Town), Sereolipi Location and Ndonyo Wasin under Sereolipi Division, as well as Waso West and Waso East locations in Waso Division.

Laikipia County

In Laikipia County, the Gazette specifically lists Mukogodo Location, Sieku Location, Makurian Location and Ilgwesi Location as security-disturbed and dangerous. Authorities say the designation allows security agencies to intensify patrols, surveillance and enforcement operations in these areas.

Meru County

Several locations in Meru County have also been placed under the security-disturbed classification. These include Mlima Rasta (Kamberia Sub-location), Mlima Lombolio (Kamberia Sub-location), and the Mworontoi Belt in Gambela Sub-location.

The notice further lists the Nyambene Game Reserve covering Kisima and Chumviere sub-locations, as well as the Ngatho Dam Area in Igembe North Sub-county, specifically within Antuambui Sub-location.

Security officials say these areas have experienced recurring incidents linked to armed bandit groups, livestock theft and cross-border criminal activity.

Isiolo County areas affected

In Isiolo County, the declaration targets several high-risk zones in the northern parts of the county. These include Sarova Game Reserve in Manyatta Zebra Sub-location, Lowarengishu Hills in Eremet Sub-location, Mutunyi Hills and Loruku Hills in Loruku Sub-location.

Murkomen said the designation will support coordinated operations involving police, national administration officers and specialised security units.

3-day enforcement period

The Gazette notice sets a defined enforcement timeline for the security measures.

“This notice shall take effect on the 27th March, 2026, as from 6.00 p.m., for a period of thirty (30) days and may, at any time, be withdrawn or continued in force for such further period as the Cabinet Secretary may, in each case, by notice in the Gazette direct,” the notice states.

The Ministry has said the temporary designation allows for intensified security operations, including disarmament efforts and targeted crackdowns on criminal elements.

Murkomen emphasised that the government remains committed to restoring lasting peace in the affected counties, noting that the expanded security designations are part of a broader strategy to eradicate banditry and protect residents in vulnerable regions.