Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has pledged firm action against human trafficking, drug abuse, and smuggling networks in Wajir County, declaring that the government will intensify security operations while fast-tracking development projects to secure the region’s future.
Speaking during a visit to Wajir alongside Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, National Government Coordination PS Ahmed Ibrahim, Speaker Abdille Yussuf, and MCAs, Murkomen described the county as a land of opportunity.
“Wajir County, one of the largest in the country, has great economic potential, especially in livestock development and related industries. Having two international borders and being at the centre of the North Eastern region also places the county in a pole position to anchor regional trade and uplift the lives of residents,” he said.
Murkomen acknowledged the stability the county currently enjoys due to collaboration between multi-agency security teams and local communities in containing terrorism threats and inter-clan conflicts.
However, he raised concerns over growing cases of human trafficking and smuggling.
“There is, however, a growing menace of human trafficking owing to the county’s location. To deal with this and the related problem of gun and drug smuggling, we shall extend the ongoing operation on the Moyale side to Wajir to dismantle the criminal networks.”
“NACADA will also open an office in Wajir town within the next 30 days as part of our efforts to rid the region of drugs,” he announced.
He further emphasised that the government will continue strengthening security by deploying more officers to potential hotspots, assessing the need for additional National Police Reservists, and supporting sub-county security teams.
“We shall continue deploying all strategies at our disposal, including formed-up units and increasing the number of officers in potential hot spots to ensure peace and tranquillity in the county,” he said.
Murkomen added that sustainable peace could only be achieved through meaningful development.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to completing the 750 km Isiolo-Wajir-Mandera highway and other infrastructure projects aimed at unlocking the region’s economic potential.
“Ultimately, however, it is development that will bring about lasting peace to Wajir and other historically marginalised parts of our country.”
“We shall therefore do everything possible to ensure that the ongoing construction of the Isiolo-Wajir-Mandera highway is completed as soon as possible alongside other development initiatives,” he said.
The visit was seen as a strong government commitment to improving security, strengthening governance, and accelerating development in a county often considered a frontier of both challenges and opportunities.