Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has extended the declaration of parts of Marsabit County as security-disturbed and dangerous for a further 30 days.

In a Gazette Notice dated Friday, July 24, 2026, Murkomen said the declaration had been made in consultation with the National Security Council under Section 106(6) of the National Police Service Act, 2011.

The notice took effect on July 23, 2026, at 6.30 pm and will remain in force for 30 days.

13 areas affected

The affected areas are Hillo Gorgora, Hillo Orofa, Hillo Walkite, Hillo Tanzania, Hillo Irress Abamartille, Hillo Gootu, Hillo Tessum Qalicha, Hillo Karray, Hillo Hudda, Hillo Qoranjido, Hillo Irress Shindia, Hillo Rabaalee and Hillo Godde Haroressa.

According to the Gazette Notice, the declaration may be withdrawn at any time or extended for a further period through another notice published in the Kenya Gazette.

The extension comes after the government previously declared the areas security-disturbed and dangerous amid insecurity concerns in the region.

Firearms ban

In an earlier security order, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja prohibited the possession of firearms in the affected areas for 30 days.

The order directed residents in the designated areas who possessed illegal firearms to surrender them to the nearest police station, police post, police camp or National Government Administration office during the day for safe custody.

The firearms would be returned to their owners once the declaration was revoked or expired, according to the order.

Banditry concerns

The security measures come amid persistent insecurity in parts of Marsabit, including incidents involving armed suspects and livestock theft.

In an earlier operation, a multi-agency security team recovered 251 sheep and goats following a pursuit of suspected bandits in Loiyangalani Sub-County.

The National Police Service said officers tracked the stolen livestock to the Lokilipi and Sarima areas, where they encountered armed suspects, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

The suspects abandoned the animals and fled as the security operation intensified.

The latest extension allows the government to maintain heightened security measures in the affected parts of Marsabit as authorities continue efforts to address banditry and other security threats in the region.