The government has announced a major security operation targeting illegal mining and arms smuggling in West Pokot County, even as it acknowledged progress in combating banditry in the wider North Rift region.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen unveiled the new measures during a high-profile security forum (Jukwaa la Usalama) at Mtelo Hall in Kapenguria, attended by local leaders and security chiefs.
While praising Operation Maliza Uhalifu for reducing banditry in Kerio Valley, Murkomen identified persistent security challenges in West Pokot including cattle rustling, human trafficking, and illegal mining activities.
Murkomen revealed that security agencies have been directed to intensify crackdowns on unauthorized mineral extraction, which not only threatens national security but also denies the country crucial revenue.
He particularly emphasized the growing threat of arms smuggling through porous borders, which continues to fuel insecurity.
To address this, the government is implementing multi-agency surveillance and increasing patrols along vulnerable crossing points.
Additional measures include the establishment of new administrative units and construction of security roads to improve rapid response capabilities.
The forum brought together key stakeholders including West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, area MPs, and regional security commanders.
Murkomen stressed the importance of collaborative security approaches, highlighting enhanced partnerships with the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and county governments to develop critical security infrastructure.
In a related development, the Interior Ministry is accelerating the rollout of mobile ID registration services in marginalized regions. The pilot Mobile Live Capture Unit, a portable battery-powered registration system, promises to deliver identification documents within three days of application.
This initiative follows the removal of what Murkomen described as discriminatory vetting requirements for border communities.
The security meeting concluded with an assessment of citizen service delivery in West Pokot, particularly focusing on streamlining identification document issuance which is crucial for access to employment and other essential services.