Kenya scales up fight against Al Shabaab militants

Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS), Kithure Kindiki, has announced that security forces in the North Eastern region will soon receive new, advanced equipment to strengthen their fight against the Al Shabaab militia. Speaking on Thursday, Kindiki emphasized that the government has secured a sufficient supply of mobility machinery to support officers in the most terror-prone areas, including Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera.

He confirmed that these regions, which are frequently targeted by Al Shabaab attacks, will be prioritized when distributing Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. During his visit to Wajir, where he held a strategic security briefing with regional security managers, the CS assured that the government is committed to ensuring safety and security for the North Eastern, Upper Eastern, and Upper Coastal regions to promote development and investment.

To bolster security efforts, Kindiki also announced that more Kenya Police Reservists will be recruited and trained to assist the multi-agency security officers stationed in these regions. The recruitment is scheduled to begin next month, and it will enhance the capability of security forces in fighting terror financiers, planners, and perpetrators.

The Kenyan government has previously committed Ksh20 billion (approximately $138 million) toward modernizing police equipment for the fight against terrorism and banditry. An additional budget of Ksh37 billion ($255.2 million) was later allocated to further upgrade security resources. The first batch of newly procured equipment, valued at Ksh7 billion ($48.3 million), will be distributed next week and will include personal protective gear for police officers.

In the next two months, the government expects to receive modern drones and surveillance technology, followed by a third batch that will include weapons, helicopters, and other aerial mobility equipment. These advancements are part of ongoing efforts to protect police officers and equip them to face evolving security threats.

This is not the first time Kenya has invested in sophisticated weapons for combating terrorism. In 2020, the country distributed APCs to various regions affected by terror and banditry. However, many of these vehicles have since experienced mechanical failures or were damaged during militant attacks. Some APCs were destroyed by explosives planted by militants on roads in counties like Mandera, Lamu, and Garissa.

While in Wajir, CS Kindiki issued a stern warning to those involved in illegal activities such as contraband trade, drug trafficking, human trafficking, banditry, and cattle rustling. He stressed that the government would take decisive action against them. Additionally, the government plans to upgrade security infrastructure and reorganize personnel in Northern Kenya to enhance public safety.

Kindiki pointed out that the region has significant economic potential that can greatly contribute to Kenya’s GDP, provided that a secure environment is created to attract both local and foreign investment. The government also plans to operationalize sub-counties in troubled areas by the end of the financial year, making government services more accessible in these regions.

Finally, Kindiki emphasized the importance of establishing additional security facilities and continuously reviewing operational capabilities to address complex security threats. The government will maintain both covert and overt interventions to ensure the sustained fight against terrorism and other national security risks.