Murkomen: Govt crackdown has nabbed scammers preying on women
By Faith Lagat, August 8, 2025Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has reported major gains in the fight against mobile fraud and scams targeting women, saying a sustained government crackdown has significantly reduced such crimes.
Speaking on August 8, 2025, during the 26th Jukwaa la Usalama grassroots engagement in Bomet County, Murkomen said many suspects have been arrested and charged in court, crediting the success to a nationwide sensitisation campaign launched two years ago.
The initiative has heightened public awareness, empowering citizens, especially women, to identify and avoid conmen.
Fraudsters losing ground
Murkomen noted that women are often more vulnerable to scams due to their trusting nature, making them prime targets for fraudsters. However, increased vigilance by the public has made it harder for criminals to operate.
“From the place we were two years ago, sensitisation has helped end the menace of scamming and preying on women, who tend to easily trust but in the end become victims,” he said.
He explained that mobile fraud had become a widespread problem in many communities across Kenya, but community-level awareness programs and coordinated enforcement efforts have shifted the landscape in favour of citizens.
“There’s a need, however, to increase the number of civil registration centers from the current 2 to cover all 5 sub-counties to enhance access to the services. We shall also review the extra fees charged for late registration of birth certificates to ensure all parents can register their children,” Murkomen’s X statement read in part.
Improving service delivery
During his visit to the Bomet Huduma Centre, Murkomen assessed the efficiency of civil and ID registration services. He commended the county for relatively good performance in ID issuance, attributing it to the presence of adequate registration centers.
However, he stressed the need to expand civil registration services from the current two centers to cover all five sub-counties. This, he said, would improve accessibility and ensure residents in remote areas can obtain essential documents without travelling long distances.
Murkomen also called for a review of late registration fees for birth certificates, arguing that high costs lock out many parents. “We shall also review the extra fees charged for late registration of birth certificates to ensure all parents can register their children,” he stated.
Grassroots Security Engagement
The Jukwaa la Usalama initiative, now in its 26th edition, is designed to engage communities directly in enhancing security and improving public services. The forums provide a platform for citizens to raise concerns and for government officials to explain ongoing programs and policies.
Murkomen said the government remains committed to protecting vulnerable groups, particularly women, from cybercrime while ensuring that essential services are available to all Kenyans. His Bomet visit underscored the link between improved security, public awareness, and better service delivery as key pillars of a safer and more equitable society.