NAIROBI, Kenya – The government’s year-long security operation targeting rampant banditry and cattle rustling in Kenya’s North Rift region has led to a notable drop in violence and livestock theft, officials announced on Wednesday.
Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift, launched in February 2023, was designed to address escalating insecurity across nine counties, including Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, and Elgeyo Marakwet.
The multi-agency initiative combined efforts from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service (NPS), leading to significant gains in restoring stability to a region long plagued by lawlessness.
According to government data, cases of cattle rustling have dropped by 62%.
Incidents of livestock theft decreased from 63,054 animals to 23,668, representing a recovery of over 39,000 cattle.
Security forces also confiscated 172 illegal firearms and arrested 250 suspects, including 14 political leaders, who are now facing prosecution.
Authorities credited the operation’s success to sustained on-the-ground efforts.
Hundreds of bandits have been disarmed, their hideouts dismantled in the rugged terrain, and a coordinated push has seen the rearming of local police reservists.
In 2023, over 1,700 reservists were recruited and trained to bolster security in Baringo, Samburu, Laikipia, and Turkana, among other counties.
A key indicator of progress has been the reopening of schools, which had been shuttered due to violence.
A budget of Ksh. 100 million funded the rehabilitation of 34 schools, and efforts led by the KDF have so far reopened 26 institutions.
More than 4,000 children have since returned to classrooms, particularly in Baringo County, the hardest-hit region.
In counties such as Laikipia and Samburu, previously closed schools are now fully operational.
While no school closures occurred in Elgeyo Marakwet County this year, 13 schools across Baringo, West Pokot, and Turkana remain closed, with students relocated to alternative institutions.
“The progress is encouraging, but the journey to lasting peace is ongoing,” a government statement noted.
To address longstanding administrative gaps, the government also gazetted 126 new administrative units in six counties.
Officials say this move is intended to improve resource allocation, enhance service delivery, and ensure a faster response to security challenges.
Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift, launched in February 2023, was designed to address escalating insecurity across nine counties, including Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, and Elgeyo Marakwet.
The multi-agency initiative combined efforts from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service (NPS), leading to significant gains in restoring stability to a region long plagued by lawlessness.
According to government data, cases of cattle rustling have dropped by 62%.
Incidents of livestock theft decreased from 63,054 animals to 23,668, representing a recovery of over 39,000 cattle.
Security forces also confiscated 172 illegal firearms and arrested 250 suspects, including 14 political leaders, who are now facing prosecution.
Authorities credited the operation’s success to sustained on-the-ground efforts.
Hundreds of bandits have been disarmed, their hideouts dismantled in the rugged terrain, and a coordinated push has seen the rearming of local police reservists.
In 2023, over 1,700 reservists were recruited and trained to bolster security in Baringo, Samburu, Laikipia, and Turkana, among other counties.
A key indicator of progress has been the reopening of schools, which had been shuttered due to violence.
A budget of Ksh. 100 million funded the rehabilitation of 34 schools, and efforts led by the KDF have so far reopened 26 institutions.
More than 4,000 children have since returned to classrooms, particularly in Baringo County, the hardest-hit region.
In counties such as Laikipia and Samburu, previously closed schools are now fully operational.
While no school closures occurred in Elgeyo Marakwet County this year, 13 schools across Baringo, West Pokot, and Turkana remain closed, with students relocated to alternative institutions.
“The progress is encouraging, but the journey to lasting peace is ongoing,” a government statement noted.
To address longstanding administrative gaps, the government also gazetted 126 new administrative units in six counties.
Officials say this move is intended to improve resource allocation, enhance service delivery, and ensure a faster response to security challenges.
