P.S. Dr. Omollo Urges Citizens and Businesses to Play Their Part in Security

Internal Security and National Administration P.S., Dr. Raymond Omollo, has stressed that security is no longer just about boots on the ground or patrol cars on the road.

It’s more about public attitude and participation.

That was the clear message coming out of a Ministerial Stakeholder Forum between the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).

Speaking at the forum, the PS warned that growing public indifference to basic safety norms is quietly undermining national security and public order.

According to Dr. Omollo, everyday behaviours – from ignoring safety protocols at public events to disorder during protests – have a ripple effect that places lives, businesses and livelihoods at risk.

“We are deeply concerned about the feeble security culture among citizens,” he said. “Disregarding safety protocols at public events and disruptions during protests put lives and livelihoods at risk.”

Businesses Bear the Cost of Insecurity

The consequences, the PS noted, are often felt most sharply by small and medium enterprises.

During periods of unrest or breakdown in public order, SMEs tend to suffer losses through looting, vandalism, and destruction – setbacks many never fully recover from.

This reality, he said, makes public cooperation in security management not just a civic duty, but an economic necessity.

Dr. Omollo called for renewed public participation in intelligence-sharing and collaboration with security agencies, arguing that national security cannot be sustained by enforcement alone.

“There’s urgent work to be done to build a culture of public order and personal responsibility,” he added.

Crisis Response

The meeting with KEPSA sought to formalise a stronger collaboration framework between government, the private sector, and citizens – one that moves beyond reactive crisis management to long-term security planning.

KEPSA’s role in national stability is not new.

Over the years, the alliance has been involved in major national moments, including contributing to the 2010 Constitution and leading the Mkenya Daima peace campaign during election periods.

It has also played a visible role in drought response and disaster preparedness, reinforcing the idea that private sector participation strengthens national resilience.

Dr. Omollo acknowledged these contributions and affirmed the government’s commitment to deepening the partnership.

“We recognize the importance of working together with the private sector to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens,” he said.

Private Security

A key focus of the discussions was the regulation and professionalisation of the private security industry.

Dr. Omollo revealed that the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) is finalising critical regulations aimed at strengthening oversight and standards within the sector.

“A professional and well-regulated private security industry is essential to national security,” he said.

With thousands of private guards deployed across residential areas, offices, factories, and public spaces, the sector plays a frontline role in everyday safety – making regulation and training a national priority.

Cybersecurity

KEPSA’s Security Sector Board Chairperson, Ms. Annette Kimitei, noted that the partnership is now expanding into new priority areas, including police reforms, cybersecurity, private security regulation and emerging technologies.

Kenya recorded over 842M cyber threat attempts in October 2025 alone, a figure that highlights the growing vulnerability of businesses, institutions and individuals in the digital space.

According to Ms. Kimitei, private sector involvement will be critical in advancing real-time threat intelligence, disaster preparedness, and climate-related community security initiatives.

“As private businesses, we are committed to hiring qualified and professional security managers who can support a safe business environment,” she said.

Public Discipline

The conversation also turned to public behaviour at major events, particularly as Kenya prepares to host international competitions such as AFCON.

Ms. Kimitei pointed to lessons from past tournaments like CHAN, noting a growing trend of poor crowd discipline.

“We’re seeing youth occupying stadiums and events without regard for protocols or ticketing,” she observed.

“This growing ‘occupy culture’ poses a real risk to public safety and the growth of sports and entertainment as pillars of the creative economy.”

A Shared Responsibility

The Ministry concluded by reaffirming its commitment to investing in partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and community organisations as part of ongoing security sector reforms.

The underlying message was simple but firm: security is not the responsibility of the state alone.

It is a shared obligation – shaped by how citizens behave, how businesses invest, and how institutions collaborate.

In a changing security environment, the government and KEPSA appear aligned on one thing – a safer Kenya begins with a more engaged, responsible public.