NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has raised alarm over what it describes as a growing erosion of civic responsibility among Kenyans, warning that lax public attitudes towards safety and order are undermining national security.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said declining public vigilance — from ignoring safety protocols at public events to disorder during protests — has created vulnerabilities that put lives, businesses and public infrastructure at risk.
Speaking during a Ministerial Stakeholder Forum between the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Omollo called on citizens to reclaim their role in safeguarding the country.
“We are deeply concerned about the feeble security culture among citizens. When people lower their guard or disregard basic safety norms, the consequences are felt across the nation,” he said.
Omollo noted that small and medium enterprises have borne the brunt of insecurity, particularly through looting and destruction during unrest, and stressed the need for stronger public cooperation with security agencies through information and intelligence sharing.
The forum sought to formalise collaboration between government and the private sector in promoting safety, stability and public order, marking a shift from ad hoc crisis responses to a more structured security partnership.
KEPSA’s engagement with the state has previously played a key role in national milestones, including peace-building during elections through the Mkenya Daima campaign, contributions to the 2010 Constitution, and private sector-led responses to drought and other disasters.
Omollo said the government intends to build on this track record, citing ongoing reforms in the private security sector.
He revealed that the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) is finalising regulations aimed at professionalising and strengthening the industry.
“A well-regulated and professional private security sector is essential to national security and public safety,” he said.
KEPSA Security Sector Board Chairperson Annette Kimitei said the partnership is now expanding into emerging priority areas such as police reforms, cybersecurity, regulation of private security firms and the use of modern technology.
She cited data showing more than 842 million cyber threat attempts recorded in October 2025 alone, underscoring the urgency of modernising Kenya’s security infrastructure.
“As private businesses, we are committed to hiring qualified and professional security managers who can support a safe and predictable business environment,” Kimitei said.
She also warned of rising safety risks at public events as Kenya prepares to host major international tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“We are witnessing a growing ‘occupy culture’ where people force their way into stadiums and events without regard for protocols or ticketing. This poses serious risks to public safety and threatens the growth of sports and entertainment as pillars of the creative economy,” she said.
The Ministry of Interior reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the private sector, civil society and community organisations as part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening security governance and public trust.
