Six Key Measures as Kenyans Head Into the Holiday Season
As Kenyans enter the festive season marked by increased travel, public gatherings, and tourism, the Government has rolled out six key security measures to protect lives, property, and visitors across the country.
While the overall security situation remains calm and stable, authorities note that the festive period traditionally presents elevated risks related to traffic congestion, opportunistic crime, and public safety incidents.
To address this, a coordinated national security operation has been activated.
Security Organs
The National Multi-Agency Command Centre (NMACC) is now operational.
This brings together officers from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, National Intelligence Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forestry Service, National Youth Service and the National Government Administration.
Similar coordination centres have been activated at regional and county levels to strengthen surveillance, intelligence sharing, and rapid response.
Security deployments have been reinforced nationwide, with officers drawn from the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forestry Service, National Youth Service, and the Kenya Coast Guard Service.
Personnel have been stationed at airports, border points, hotels, shopping malls, public beaches, tourist sites, central business districts, places of worship, entertainment venues and critical infrastructure.
All officers previously on leave have resumed duty, supported by specialised police units and logistical assistance from the Ministry of Defence.
Road Safety
To enhance road safety, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), working with the Traffic Police Department, has launched a nationwide traffic operation.
The initiative includes multi-agency enforcement, deployment of mobile courts where necessary, electronic and physical monitoring measures, and the involvement of Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission officers to deter corruption during enforcement.
Counter Terrorism
Regional and County Security Committees have also heightened counter-terrorism preparedness and intensified the implementation of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) County Action Plans.
Particular focus is on protecting large public gatherings and critical installations.
Illicit Brews
In parallel, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has launched a nationwide crackdown on illicit brews and drug abuse.
In conjunction with National Government Administrative Officers and the police, NACADA seeks to disrupt the production, sale, and consumption of illegal substances.
Criminal Gangs
Security agencies have further intensified operations against organised criminal gangs and escalated targeted enforcement against cultural and social crimes
These includes defilement, early pregnancies, forced marriages, domestic violence, Female Genital Mutilation, and religious extremism.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement officers throughout the festive season.
Travel Routes
Motorists are advised to plan their travel in advance, adjust travel schedules where necessary, and use alternative routes to avoid congestion.
Travelers heading to Western and Nyanza regions are encouraged to use the Nairobi–Suswa–Narok route, while those travelling through the Central region may consider the Nairobi–Nyeri–Nyahururu–Nakuru corridor.
Toll-Free Numbers 999, 911, 112
The public is encouraged to report suspicious activity or crime to the nearest police station or through toll-free emergency numbers 999, 911, or 112.
Owners of shopping malls, entertainment venues, and event organisers are also urged to work closely with local security teams to strengthen crowd management and private security arrangements.
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a peaceful, secure, and orderly festive season for all Kenyans and visitors.