Holiday arrangements by Kenyan police personnel due on leave have been cut short as the Ministry of Interior and National Security issued directives on Wednesday ordering all security units without exception to deploy around the country.
The government circular directed all security officers on leave to resume duties immediately to beef up security countrywide as the December holiday season begins.
Their role is to enhance public safety and thwart possible security threats, the government said.
10,317 officers have been mobilised to this end, according to Raymond Omolo, the Principal Secretary at the interior ministry.
”I hereby direct that all Multi-Agency Command Centres be manned 24 hours seven days a week. This means that all Police Officers who are currently on Leave are hereby directed to resume duty with immediate effect and not later than December 5, 2024,” the directive from Omolo said.
As part of the security measures personnel of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have been deployed at the Lang’ata Barracks to stave off security threats.
The KDF will also provide additional air support surveillance and logistics during the festive season when security threats are considered high.
Other security apparatuses being drafted in for the countrywide operations are the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, and the Kenya Forestry Service.
Omolo said the Kenyan public should expect a heavier than usual police presence on the streets, including undercover personnel from its special units and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) Unit.
Kenya is also enhancing security on entry points including air and sea ports and its international borders.
To this end control agencies have been asked to man all exit and entry points to facilitate the smooth movement of travellers.
Tourists visiting the country have been assured that their safety was of utmost priority as police officers are ordered to patrol and all tourism-related sites across Kenya.
”All Regional and County Security Committees in liaison with the National Police Service and Kenya Wildlife Service, to put in place measures to ensure the safety of local and international tourists visiting resort facilities at Coastal Sea Resorts and inland tourist attraction sites, National Parks and Game Reserves,” Omolo added.
The vulnerable including women, children, persons with disability are also being covered by the security measures.
WN/as/APA