NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has unveiled a bold plan to anchor security in the volatile North Rift region by setting up permanent training colleges for the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service (NPS) in Kerio Valley.
Permanent Presence Over Emergency Response
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the initiative, describing it as a shift from short-term emergency deployments to a sustained, permanent presence aimed at ending decades of banditry.
Construction of the facilities is scheduled to begin in January 2026. Modeled after the Kiganjo Police Training College, the institutions will serve as long-term hubs for training and operations, creating “buffer zones” in hotspots such as Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, and West Pokot.
The directive was issued by President William Ruto through the National Security Council, underscoring the government’s resolve to address insecurity in the North Rift.
Security Gains and Ongoing Challenges
Murkomen highlighted progress made under Operation Maliza Uhalifu, which has recovered more than 1,000 illegal firearms in the past six months, significantly reducing bandit activity.
However, he acknowledged persistent tensions in areas like Turkwel and Kainuk, where mining-related criminal networks continue to pose challenges. Security operations in these zones are being intensified.
Linking Security With Development
Beyond military and police presence, the government is pairing the initiative with community development. In 2026, residents of Kerio Valley will receive fruit tree seedlings to help restore livelihoods and combat environmental degradation.
Murkomen said the dual approach—security and development—was designed to ensure lasting peace and stability. “This is about transforming Kerio Valley from a theatre of insecurity into a corridor of opportunity,” he noted.
Strategic Importance
The Kerio Valley project reflects a broader national strategy to secure trade routes, protect communities, and build resilience in regions long plagued by violence. By embedding permanent institutions in the valley, the government hopes to dismantle criminal networks while fostering socio-economic growth.
