NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has warned of a spike in crime and security risks during the festive season, urging heightened public vigilance as criminal activity tends to surge.
In a detailed advisory issued Monday, the Ministry flagged rising cases of pickpocketing, muggings, and home burglaries, particularly in crowded spaces such as markets, shopping malls, and public transport hubs.
Families traveling upcountry or to urban areas leave homes vulnerable, while car break-ins have become a growing concern ahead of the Christmas period.
Authorities also raised alarm over increased production of illicit alcohol and drug distribution during the holidays, alongside the exploitation of vulnerable groups, including children and victims of gender-based violence.
“Security and road safety is our collective responsibility,” said Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, adding that public vigilance is critical as security agencies intensify patrols and surveillance.
The National Police Service, in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), will launch a nationwide crackdown on reckless driving.
Key offences targeted include drunk driving, speeding, vehicle overloading, and operating unroadworthy vehicles.
Kanja emphasized that specialized police units—such as undercover operatives and the Formed Police Units—will boost visibility and patrols in major towns, borders, places of worship, malls, and critical infrastructure.
He further urged road users to comply with traffic rules, calling on boda boda operators and vehicle owners to enforce discipline among drivers.
To reinforce the measures, all police officers on leave have been recalled to duty immediately.
The advisory noted increased police deployment, with over 10,000 officers mobilized from various agencies, including the Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Forestry Service, and the Kenya Coast Guard.
Multi-agency command centres at regional and county levels will operate 24/7, supported by the National Multi-Agency Command Centre at Lang’ata Barracks.
“We have operationalized these centres to deter security threats and maintain public order,” said Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo.
The crackdown will also target corruption on roads, with police working alongside the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Authorities are cautioning the public to remain wary of online scams disguised as holiday promotions and counterfeit goods flooding the market.
Noise violations, fueled by celebrations and gatherings, have also been flagged as a public nuisance requiring stricter regulation.
Furthermore, terrorism remains a threat, particularly in border regions, prompting a bolstered security presence.
The Ministry urged Kenyans to stay alert and report suspicious activities or crime through police hotline numbers: 999, 112, 911, and the #FichuakwaDCI tipline at 0800 722 203.
As the festive season gathers momentum, authorities are doubling down on efforts to safeguard public safety.
“We remind bar owners to adhere to operating hours and the public to celebrate responsibly,” Kanja concluded.
In a detailed advisory issued Monday, the Ministry flagged rising cases of pickpocketing, muggings, and home burglaries, particularly in crowded spaces such as markets, shopping malls, and public transport hubs.
Families traveling upcountry or to urban areas leave homes vulnerable, while car break-ins have become a growing concern ahead of the Christmas period.
Authorities also raised alarm over increased production of illicit alcohol and drug distribution during the holidays, alongside the exploitation of vulnerable groups, including children and victims of gender-based violence.
“Security and road safety is our collective responsibility,” said Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, adding that public vigilance is critical as security agencies intensify patrols and surveillance.
The National Police Service, in collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), will launch a nationwide crackdown on reckless driving.
Key offences targeted include drunk driving, speeding, vehicle overloading, and operating unroadworthy vehicles.
Kanja emphasized that specialized police units—such as undercover operatives and the Formed Police Units—will boost visibility and patrols in major towns, borders, places of worship, malls, and critical infrastructure.
He further urged road users to comply with traffic rules, calling on boda boda operators and vehicle owners to enforce discipline among drivers.
To reinforce the measures, all police officers on leave have been recalled to duty immediately.
The advisory noted increased police deployment, with over 10,000 officers mobilized from various agencies, including the Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Forestry Service, and the Kenya Coast Guard.
Multi-agency command centres at regional and county levels will operate 24/7, supported by the National Multi-Agency Command Centre at Lang’ata Barracks.
“We have operationalized these centres to deter security threats and maintain public order,” said Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo.
The crackdown will also target corruption on roads, with police working alongside the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Authorities are cautioning the public to remain wary of online scams disguised as holiday promotions and counterfeit goods flooding the market.
Noise violations, fueled by celebrations and gatherings, have also been flagged as a public nuisance requiring stricter regulation.
Furthermore, terrorism remains a threat, particularly in border regions, prompting a bolstered security presence.
The Ministry urged Kenyans to stay alert and report suspicious activities or crime through police hotline numbers: 999, 112, 911, and the #FichuakwaDCI tipline at 0800 722 203.
As the festive season gathers momentum, authorities are doubling down on efforts to safeguard public safety.
“We remind bar owners to adhere to operating hours and the public to celebrate responsibly,” Kanja concluded.
