ELGEYO MARAKWET, Kenya – In a move to enhance security in the volatile Kerio Valley region, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has announced sweeping reforms aimed at improving the effectiveness of the National Police Reservists and addressing rising security challenges in Baringo, West Pokot, and Elgeyo/Marakwet counties.
Speaking after a security meeting in Elgeyo/Marakwet, Murkomen unveiled a new vetting process for all NPR officers in the region, with the goal of ensuring that only those who meet the required standards remain in service.
Officers who pass the vetting process will undergo retraining to better equip them for their critical roles.
“We are creating proper camps for NPRs in Baringo, West Pokot, and Elgeyo/Marakwet. We’re also institutionalizing their command structure, bringing them under the direct command of the Officer Commanding Police Stations (OCS),” Murkomen said.
The announcement comes after concerns were raised about NPR officers allegedly engaging in criminal activities.
Murkomen confirmed that a process to replace such officers has already begun.
The government has also assured that all NPR officers will be registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), with their families prioritized for government bursaries.
In a bid to further strengthen security, the CS also revealed that chiefs operating in high-risk areas like Kerio Valley will now be licensed to possess firearms upon application.
He added that chiefs with disciplinary issues would be interdicted and undergo legal processes, with career progression being determined based on merit.
“Chiefs will now be promoted based on merit, and their welfare will be given a much-needed boost,” he said. “We are recognizing their critical role in maintaining law and order.”
The meeting also addressed emerging security challenges in the region, including land disputes and road robberies, especially in Loruk and the broader Kerio region.
Murkomen vowed that decisive action would be taken against the perpetrators of these crimes.
In a further push to stabilize the region, the government has operationalized a new Kerio Valley Sub-County and appointed a Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), with officials including the OCPD set to be posted soon.
The government has also committed to building a Sub-County office in Chesongoch during the next financial year.
Murkomen called for stronger collaboration between local communities and security personnel, urging residents not to obstruct road security operations.
“We are aware of individuals in the community sabotaging peace efforts. We are upscaling our operations to track and apprehend them,” he added.
The meeting, which took place at the Chesongoch Catholic Church Centre, brought together regional, county, sub-county, and ward security teams to discuss the progress made under the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU), while acknowledging the remaining challenges that need to be overcome.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja emphasized the importance of proactive and effective law enforcement, urging local security teams to prevent criminality from becoming entrenched in the region.
He expressed gratitude for the progress made through OMU and underscored the need for continued commitment to peace.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan, and other senior security officials, including the Commandants of the GSU and Anti-Stock Theft Unit, attended the meeting, underscoring the coordinated effort to ensure lasting peace in the region.
