Kisumu Central deploys motorcycles to chiefs in renewed drive against urban crime
By Kepher Otieno, July 8, 2026Kisumu Central has stepped up efforts to tackle rising urban crime after six motorcycles were handed over to chiefs and assistant chiefs in a move aimed at strengthening grassroots security operations and improving coordination between local administrators and police.
The motorcycles, acquired through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), are expected to enhance patrols, speed up emergency response and improve intelligence gathering across the constituency, where cases of robbery, mugging and other security incidents have heightened concern among residents.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron said effective security was the cornerstone of economic growth, investment and social stability, adding that the government administration required adequate logistical support to discharge its mandate.
“Our chiefs and assistant chiefs are the first responders whenever security challenges arise within our communities. By improving their mobility, we are enabling them to reach residents quickly, coordinate effectively with the police and strengthen community policing. Every resident deserves to live and conduct business in a secure environment,” Oron said.
He said crime prevention should not be left to security agencies alone, urging residents to volunteer information that could help disrupt criminal activities before they escalate.
Installation of street lights
The legislator also appealed to the Kisumu County Government to accelerate the repair and installation of street lights across the city, saying poorly lit estates had increasingly become hiding places for criminals.
“Security is not achieved through arrests alone. We must create an environment that discourages crime. Proper street lighting, stronger community policing and well-equipped administrators will go a long way in protecting lives and businesses,” he said.
Deputy County Commissioner Lang’at Bosek said the motorcycles would significantly improve the efficiency of National Government Administration Officers, allowing them to respond faster to emergencies while supporting broader government programmes at the grassroots.
“The motorcycles will enhance the mobility of chiefs and assistant chiefs, enabling them to reach areas that were previously difficult to access within a short time. This will strengthen surveillance, improve response to security incidents and deepen collaboration with other security agencies in maintaining law and order,” Bosek said.
He added that the administrators would also use the motorcycles to support government services, including national identity card registration, disaster response and public awareness campaigns.
Security analysts say mobility remains one of the biggest operational challenges facing grassroots administrators, particularly in densely populated urban settlements where delayed response often allows suspects to escape before security officers arrive.
The deployment reflects a broader strategy by the government to reinforce community policing by empowering National Government Administration Officers with the equipment needed to gather intelligence, coordinate security operations and maintain a visible presence within local communities.
For Kisumu Central, the investment signals a shift towards preventive policing, with authorities seeking to address insecurity through faster response, closer collaboration with residents, and stronger coordination between administrators and law enforcement agencies.