Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen says security operations are being intensified in Samburu, Isiolo and along Turkana borders to combat banditry and recover illegal firearms and stolen livestock.
Murkomen says security agencies have recovered more than 3,000 illegal firearms and 8,000 rounds of ammunition in parts of the Kerio Valley and Northern Kenya.
The government is expanding infrastructure and public services in Turkana, including the Kalokol Fish Market, a solar-powered mini-grid and the Kainuk-Lodwar power project.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced intensified security operations in Samburu and Isiolo, alongside expanded government investment in infrastructure and public services across Turkana and other parts of northern Kenya.
Murkomen said security agencies were targeting illegal firearms, stolen livestock and criminal networks as the government seeks to restore lasting peace in areas affected by banditry.
“We are intensifying our operations in Samburu and Isiolo to recover all illegal firearms and stolen livestock, dismantle criminal networks, and restore lasting peace,” Murkomen said.
The CS, however, acknowledged concerns arising from a recent security operation in Samburu in which livestock were killed. He directed security agencies to exercise greater caution to minimise unintended harm during enforcement operations.
“Regrettably, during a recent operation in Samburu, livestock were killed. We have directed our security agencies to exercise maximum caution to minimise collateral damage during operations,” he said.
The government has maintained that the latest operations are intelligence-led and focused on individuals and networks involved in banditry, illegal firearms and livestock theft.
Murkomen said security agencies had recovered more than 3,000 illegal firearms and 8,000 rounds of ammunition in the Kerio Valley and other banditry-prone areas. Recent reporting also confirms that the recoveries form part of wider efforts to address illegal arms and banditry in northern Kenya.
“We will not relent until we completely liberate these areas from banditry, just as we did other parts of Kerio Valley and Northern Kenya,” he said.
Murkomen said the government was also increasing security personnel and equipment along the Turkana–West Pokot and Turkana–Baringo borders.
The operations are intended to arrest suspected criminals and their accomplices, recover stolen livestock, seize illegal firearms and address conflicts linked to competition over resources.
“These operations are intelligence-led and security agencies are under orders to protect innocent civilians and prevent collateral damage,” Murkomen said.
He added that he would meet local elected leaders to discuss additional interventions before holding public peace barazas aimed at engaging communities and strengthening local peacebuilding efforts.
The government has also stepped up the fight against drug and substance abuse. Murkomen said enforcement agencies would work to disrupt supply networks, particularly those involved in the production and distribution of illicit substances and brews affecting young people.
The Interior CS has previously called on chiefs, assistant chiefs and Nyumba Kumi structures to work with police by providing information on producers and sellers of illicit brews.
Beyond security, Murkomen outlined a series of development interventions intended to expand government services and economic opportunities in Turkana.
He said additional administrative units were being operationalised to bring government services closer to residents and improve access to essential services.
Murkomen described the measures as part of the government's broader effort to address what he termed the historical marginalisation of pastoralist communities through increased infrastructure development and service delivery.
Among the projects highlighted is the 500-stall Kalokol Fish Market in Turkana Central. The facility includes a modern cold room and storage facilities, as well as areas for fish smoking, frying and dining.
The project is expected to provide additional infrastructure for the local fishing economy and create space for traders and other businesses linked to the sector.
The government is also implementing energy infrastructure in the region. Murkomen said the solar-powered Kalokol Mini-Grid Project would connect close to 2,000 residents, while the KSh900 million Kenya Power main-line project from Kainuk to Lodwar had reached 85 per cent completion.
Government infrastructure programmes in the Turkana corridor have included major road and energy investments, with official budget documents also listing projects along the Kainuk-Lodwar and wider northern transport corridor.
Murkomen said the government was also constructing modern markets, student and affordable housing projects, roads and security installations as part of efforts to expand infrastructure and improve service delivery across northern Kenya.
He linked the investments to the broader objective of bringing economic opportunities and essential services closer to communities that have historically faced challenges because of distance and limited infrastructure.
The development agenda comes alongside the government's security strategy, with improved roads, administrative presence and public infrastructure expected to support service delivery and strengthen government presence in remote areas.
Murkomen also addressed education-sector reforms during a visit to Nandi County, where he presided over a fundraiser organised by the Nandi East/Tinderet Kenya National Union of Teachers branch.
The fundraiser was aimed at supporting construction of an office block and acquisition of a staff bus.
Murkomen commended the KNUT branch for its focus on teachers' welfare and reiterated the government's commitment to reforms in the education sector.
He was accompanied by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, Nandi Hills MP Bernard Kitur, KNUT Secretary General Henry Oyuu and other leaders.
The Interior CS's remarks bring security and development into a single agenda for northern Kenya, with the government seeking to combine stronger security operations with expanded public services and infrastructure.
In Turkana, Murkomen joined EAC and ASALs Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul and local leaders for church services and fundraising activities at Holy Family Parish in Kanamkemer, Lodwar, and AIC Kalokol in Turkana Central.
Among the leaders present were Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, Senator James Lomenen, MPs Joseph Emathe, Nixon Ngikor, John Ariko, Paul Nabuin, Daniel Epuyo, Protus Akuja and Cecilia Asinyen, HELB Chairperson Ekwee Ethuro, Special Peace Envoy John Munyes, County Commissioner Julius Kavita and Police Commander John Tarus.
Murkomen said the government's approach was aimed at addressing insecurity while simultaneously expanding infrastructure, economic opportunities and access to public services.
For communities affected by banditry, the immediate focus remains restoring security, recovering stolen livestock and illegal weapons, and dismantling criminal networks. At the same time, the government is positioning infrastructure, energy, markets and administrative services as part of a longer-term strategy for development across the region.
The CS said the security operations would continue, but stressed that agencies must balance enforcement with the protection of civilians and property.
“We are intensifying operations in Samburu and Isiolo to recover all illegal firearms and stolen livestock, dismantle criminal networks, and restore lasting peace,” Murkomen reiterated.