Security operations in North Rift reduce rustling, Interior Ministry says

The joint security operation in the North Rift has seen the number of livestock stolen drop from 63,054 the previous year to just 23,668 in the last year, representing a reduction of 62 per cent.

Operation Maliza Uhalifu, which was launched in February 2023 and brought together the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to restore peace and stability in the region has also led to the recovery of 172 illegal firearms and 10,173 livestock.

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration yesterday said during the same period, 250 suspects, including 14 political leaders, were arrested and prosecuted.

“The operation has led to a 62 per cent reduction in the number of cattle rustling occurrences, with cases dropping from 63,054 stolen livestock to 23,668—a decline of 39,386 heads of cattle,” the ministry said.

The operation was launched to deal with the escalating banditry, cattle rustling, and violence in nine counties Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru.

The ministry however said though most schools had been renovated and opened, 13 schools remain closed and pupils relocated to other schools.

Hot spot areas in these counties were designated as “Disturbed” and “Dangerous” and further declared a security operation in the gazetted areas complete with a dusk to dawn curfew order and arms surrender ultimatum.

According to the ministry, banditry has been supported all along by a toxic mix of bad terrain, weapon supply and banditry leadership.

The intelligence revealed that there were hundreds of heavily armed bandits holed up in difficult-terrain, remote and inaccessible areas at the bottom of gorges, escarpments, caves and ravines, some in the middle of hills spread across this region.

They have also identified a handful of senior commanders in charge of the bandit network as well as their spiritual leaders, political patrons and the commercial beneficiaries of bandit gangs.

“The security situation in the North Rift has significantly improved and this is attributed to the efforts of this multi-agency approach. Security officers on the ground have effectively disarmed hundreds of bandits, dismantled their hideouts in the rugged terrain, and restored stability to affected communities,” the ministry added.

To strengthen local security, the Government has restructured the management and command of the National Police Reservists. In 2023, a total of 1,702 reservists were recruited and trained in Baringo, Samburu, Laikipia, Meru, Turkana, and West Pokot.

At least 400 reservists in Elgeyo Marakwet and in Isiolo, were rearmed to supplement the ongoing security operations in the area.

To enhance governance and improve service delivery, the Government gazetted 126 new administrative units across Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Meru, and Laikipia Counties.

“This initiative is aimed at strengthening local administration, improving resource allocation, and enabling a more effective response to security challenges,” the ministry said.

Uninterrupted learning was experienced this year with candidates sitting for their Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams without any security challenges.

A budget of Sh100 million was allocated to rehabilitate 34 out of 39 schools closed due to banditry-related violence and displacement.

“The KDF has played a crucial role in this reconstruction effort and to date, 26 schools have reopened and at least 4,000 children went back to school marking a significant step towards recovery,” the ministry said.

It added: “Renovations have been completed or are underway in 21 schools, with Baringo County being the most affected. No schools were closed in Elgeyo Marakwet County and all previously closed schools in Laikipia and Samburu are now operational.”

The ministry however said 13 schools remain closed and pupils relocated to other schools, primarily in Baringo, West Pokot, and Turkana counties.