By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 29 July 2026 - Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo has directed National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) to intensify grassroots security operations, saying Kenya's fight against criminal gangs, drug trafficking, violent extremism and disinformation will be won at the community level.
Addressing chiefs, assistant chiefs and village elders in Mombasa on Tuesday, Dr Omollo said the National Government Administration remained the country's first line of defence against emerging security threats and must stay ahead of criminal networks through timely intelligence and closer collaboration with local communities.
"The strength of our national security begins in our villages. Chiefs, assistant chiefs and village elders must remain vigilant, deepen intelligence gathering and work closely with wananchi to identify threats before they escalate into insecurity," he said.
He urged administrators to revitalise the Nyumba Kumi initiative, describing it as one of Kenya's most effective community policing models.
"Nyumba Kumi is not merely a government programme. It is a shared responsibility that empowers communities to know one another, identify suspicious activities early and work together to prevent crime. Security cannot be left to the police alone. Every citizen has a role to play."
Dr Omollo warned that organised criminal gangs were becoming increasingly sophisticated by exploiting technology, misinformation and vulnerable young people to undermine public order.
"We must deny criminals the space to recruit, organise and terrorise innocent citizens. That requires stronger partnerships between administrators, security agencies, religious leaders, youth groups and the public. Information shared in good time saves lives."
The PS also challenged administrators to intensify the fight against narcotics, saying drug abuse continued to fuel crime, school dropouts and social instability in many parts of the country.
"The war against drugs must be relentless. We cannot allow narcotics to destroy the future of our young people or become a source of insecurity within our communities. Every administrator must treat this as a national priority."
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He further cautioned against the growing spread of false information, saying misinformation and disinformation were increasingly threatening social cohesion and national stability.
"In this digital age, falsehoods spread faster than facts. We must continue engaging communities with accurate information while promoting responsible use of digital platforms. Peace is strengthened when citizens are informed by truth rather than rumours."
Dr Omollo said a well-facilitated grassroots administration remained indispensable to effective governance, noting that chiefs and assistant chiefs play a critical role beyond maintaining law and order.
"Our administrators are at the heart of government service delivery. When they are adequately equipped and supported, they not only safeguard peace but also facilitate development, resolve disputes, coordinate government programmes and strengthen public confidence in State institutions."
He urged NGAOs to uphold professionalism, integrity and impartiality while serving all Kenyans, saying sustainable development could only flourish in an environment of peace, security and national unity.
"Peace is the foundation upon which every school, hospital, business and investment is built. Without security, development cannot thrive. That is why strengthening our grassroots administration remains one of the Government's foremost priorities."