NAIROBI, Kenya- The government is reviewing its national security strategy, to develop a crime prevention framework tailored to the unique challenges faced by its diverse regions.
Recognizing that security threats in Nairobi differ significantly from those in Mandera or Mombasa, the new strategy aims to harness local expertise and promote a community-driven approach to keeping Kenyans safe.
This approach is built around the Regional and County Security and Intelligence Committees (RSICs and CSICs), multi-agency teams tasked with crafting region-specific solutions.
By integrating community insights with advanced intelligence, the government hopes to address the root causes of crime and create a safer environment for all.
Kenya’s vast and varied landscape presents distinct security challenges.
For instance, urban centers like Nairobi grapple with issues such as organized crime, while arid regions like Turkana and Mandera face cattle rustling and inter-clan conflicts.
Coastal areas like Mombasa contend with drug trafficking and maritime threats, while conservation zones like Narok and Laikipia deal with wildlife poaching and land disputes.
Under the leadership of Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, the government is shifting away from blanket solutions to strategies tailored to each region’s realities.
“Security cannot be one-size-fits-all,” Dr. Omollo explains.
“What works in the city may not work in rural areas. This is why we are designing region-specific plans that leverage local knowledge and address specific threats.”
At the core of this new strategy is a commitment to empowering communities.
The government is working closely with village elders, community leaders, and grassroots organizations to foster trust and gather intelligence.
PS Omollo says local stakeholders have an intimate understanding of their environments and are often the first to detect warning signs of crime or conflict.
Programs like Nyumba Kumi, a community policing initiative, have been revitalized to encourage neighbors to watch out for each other and report suspicious activities.
This grassroots involvement is crucial in identifying and addressing security threats before they escalate.
By combining the traditional wisdom of local leaders with the advanced capabilities of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the strategy ensures that no threat goes unnoticed. The County Security and Intelligence Committees (CSICs) serve as the bridge, synthesizing local intelligence and feeding it into regional and national frameworks.
The RSICs and CSICs are designed to bring together diverse security actors, including the police, intelligence officers, wildlife wardens, and maritime experts, depending on the region’s needs.
One of the most significant benefits of the new strategy is the improved relationship between citizens and security agencies.
Historically, mistrust and lack of communication have hampered crime prevention efforts.
he government’s new approach prioritizes transparency and collaboration, ensuring that citizens feel they have a voice in their own security.
“People are more willing to share information when they see security agencies as allies rather than enforcers,” says a senior officer from the CSIC in Turkana.
This trust is vital in regions with a history of underreporting crimes due to fear or apathy.
Security experts say the hierarchical structure of the RSICs and CSICs ensures seamless coordination across all levels of government.
County teams report to regional committees, which then communicate with the Principal Secretary for Internal Security.
This information pipeline allows the National Security Council to focus on critical issues while local teams handle day-to-day challenges.
