Kenya, May 25, 2026 - The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has intensified community engagement initiatives in Samburu County as part of ongoing security operations under Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU).
In a statement, KDF said personnel stationed at Learoni Camp conducted a Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) and Key Leadership Engagement (KLE) forum at Loibor Ngare in Samburu West Sub-County aimed at strengthening collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
According to KDF, the engagement forms part of “deliberate and sustained efforts” to enhance stability, restore public confidence, and support long-term peace in areas facing persistent security challenges.
“The engagement formed part of deliberate and sustained efforts geared towards deepening collaboration between security agencies and local communities in the fight against insecurity and criminal activities within the region,” the statement said.
The forum brought together security officers, local leaders, and residents to discuss peace, security, and the role communities can play in supporting efforts to combat insecurity across the region.
KDF said the initiative demonstrates its commitment to fostering trust and cooperation with local communities while helping create a secure environment that supports socio-economic development.
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Residents who attended the meeting praised the military for what they described as professionalism and commitment in efforts to restore normalcy in Samburu County.
“They further reaffirmed their commitment to supporting ongoing security interventions aimed at sustaining peace and unity across the region,” KDF added.
The military noted that the engagement had strengthened relations between security agencies and residents while boosting public confidence and improving operational effectiveness in the area.
Operation Maliza Uhalifu has remained one of the government’s key security operations targeting banditry, cattle rustling, and armed criminal activities in parts of the North Rift and northern Kenya.
Security agencies have increasingly relied on community-based cooperation and intelligence-sharing as part of wider efforts to stabilize affected areas and reduce recurring violence linked to armed groups and cross-border criminal networks.

