The Kenyan government has rolled out a massive nationwide security operation, deploying police and military personnel to safeguard citizens during the Christmas and New Year holidays. The comprehensive plan sees security forces placed on high alert to manage the unique challenges of the festive period.

This heightened security posture is a direct response to historical trends that show a spike in crime and traffic violations as Kenyans travel and celebrate. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized that while the country's security situation is stable, the government is taking proactive measures to protect lives and property.

A Multi-Agency Shield

At the core of the strategy is the activation of the National Multi-Agency Command Centre (NMACC), a nerve centre for coordinating surveillance, intelligence sharing, and rapid response. This brings together officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Service (NPS), National Intelligence Service (NIS), Kenya Prisons Service, and Kenya Wildlife Service, among others.

To ensure maximum boots on the ground, all police officers previously on leave have been recalled to duty. These officers will provide enhanced security coverage at high-traffic locations such as airports, shopping malls, public beaches, places of worship, and major transport hubs. The Ministry of Defence will provide crucial logistical and air support for the operation.

Taming the Roads and Cracking Down on Crime

The government has also declared a war on traffic offenders and opportunistic criminals. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Traffic Police Department have launched a joint nationwide operation to improve road safety and manage the holiday traffic surge. In a significant move to curb corruption, officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) will be deployed to monitor enforcement, and mobile courts will be used to handle violations instantly.

The security plan extends beyond the highways, with a focus on several key areas:

• Counter-Terrorism: Regional and County Security Committees have intensified surveillance on critical infrastructure and large public gatherings to thwart any potential terror threats.
• Illicit Brews: The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) is leading a nationwide crackdown on the production and sale of illicit brews and drugs.
• Organised Crime: Security teams are escalating operations against organised criminal gangs, particularly in Nairobi, the Coast, Western, Nyanza, Central, and Eastern regions.
• Social Crimes: Enforcement has been increased to combat cultural crimes such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), forced marriages, and domestic violence, which can see a rise during the holidays.

The Interior Ministry has urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement, emphasizing that security is a shared responsibility. Kenyans are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or via the toll-free hotlines 999, 911, or 112.

As thousands of security officers fan out across the country, the government's message is clear: vigilance is a shared duty, and a peaceful holiday season depends on both state action and public cooperation.