The Ministry of Interior and National Security Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo, has announced the government’s move to curb the conflict in the North Rift region.

In a post on his official X account on Saturday, April 11, 2026, PS Omollo explained that the government was aware of the root cause of conflict in the region.

According to the PS, the enduring conflict in the North Rift is not merely driven by animosity but instead by deep-rooted socio-economic challenges.

“The government is fully cognisant that the enduring conflict in the North Rift is not merely driven by animosity but by deep-rooted socio-economic challenges,” PS Omollo said.

At the same time, the PS described the measures taken by the government, including the deliberate recognition of the underlying issues within the region.

Further adding that sustained efforts are underway to promote inclusive development and uplift every region of the country as a pathway to lasting peace.

“For the first time, there is deliberate recognition of these underlying issues, with sustained efforts underway to promote inclusive development and uplift every region of the country as a pathway to lasting peace,” he added.

History of Unrest in North Rift

For years, the North Rift region has been the hotspot of insecurity. Countless reports of community clashes resulting in casualties, cattle rustling and attacks on security forces. Bringing peace to the restive region has been the elusive task of every administration to date.

At least 42 police officers and police reservists lost their lives in 2012 during a security operation in Suguta Valley, famously known as ‘The valley of death’.

Security disturbed areas

Meanwhile, PS Omollo’s remarks come weeks after the government 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.