by CYRUS OMBATI
Thursday September 28, 2023
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo is among those who attended the meeting in Kilifi on September 28, 2023. Image: HANDOUT
Security chiefs from the Coast and North Eastern are meeting in Malindi, Kilifi County, to discuss terrorism and other security issues in the regions.
The areas border the Kenya-Somalia border where al Shabaab terrorists breach for attacks.
The attacks have left dozens of people dead including security agents and others nursing wounds.
Officials say they have thwarted dozens of planned attacks by the terrorists killing some of them and recovering materials.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo graced the event on Wednesday saying Kenya is making good progress in ensuring safety for all especially the regions.
The meeting was called to lay down strategies and procedures on how to deal with insecurity incidences emanating from the two regions.
“We know where we are and where we are headed. I urge you not to tire and focus on the way forward,” Omollo said.
He lauded the two regional teams for their earnest and sincere efforts to address the security conclusively.
Omollo commended the effort being realized by Reinvent members who are key stakeholders of the security meeting.
Reinvent is a program supported by UKAid to reduce insecurity and bring stability in North Eastern and Coastal regions by working in partnership to enhance police capacity and performance.
Omollo urged members of the two committees to do their work without fear of victimisation.
He said the government supports them fully.
He urged members to embrace all government approaches to address security challenges.
Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Douglas Kanja said they are working with all stakeholders to ensure stability in the region.
“We have laid down several strategies which we are implementing in efforts to ensure safety for all,” he said.
He cited further training, equipping of security personnel and collaboration with locals.
Kanja who was representing the Inspector General of the National Police Service, Japhet Koome, said he was satisfied that the meeting would achieve its intended objectives of achieving enhanced security within the two regions.
The teams will come up with strategies on how to deal with security challenges, especially by having regular meetings in a bid to deliberate on common security challenges affecting the two regions.
The meeting also discussed the progress of police reforms.