By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 23 December 2025 - As Kenyans prepare to celebrate Christmas (a Christian event) and the New Year, the government has reassured citizens of heightened security measures across the country, emphasising the importance of vigilance, responsible behavior, and effective service delivery.
In an address delivered on Tuesday in Kericho County, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo outlined the government’s strategies to ensure a safe and peaceful festive period while highlighting the significance of devolution in bringing services closer to the people.
Dr Omollo began by reassuring Kenyans that the overall security situation remains calm and stable, despite recent skirmishes in Trans-Mara, Narok County.
“We have managed to calm down the tension in the affected areas and urge citizens to observe the gazetted curfew hours,” he said.
The PS emphasised that the government’s intervention demonstrates its capacity to respond swiftly to emerging threats, reflecting a proactive rather than reactive approach to public safety.
Central to the government’s festive security strategy is the activation of the National Multi-Agency Command Centre (NMACC), which Dr Omollo described as a key instrument for coordinating nationwide surveillance, intelligence sharing, and rapid response.
“This coordination has been cascaded down to the lowest administrative units to ensure that every community benefits from real-time monitoring and quick action when needed,” he explained.
This reflects a structured approach that integrates national oversight with localised implementation, enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement operations.
Road safety emerged as a major focus during the address.
Dr Omollo warned that increased travel during the holiday season often results in congestion and accidents.
“We urge all road users to plan their travels, avoid peak congestion periods, and observe traffic rules,” he said, noting that multi-agency teams including the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and Traffic Police have been deployed to monitor traffic, reduce congestion, and deter reckless driving.
By linking road safety to citizen responsibility, the government aims to prevent holiday tragedies while promoting orderly movement across the country.
The PS also highlighted the risks associated with social gatherings, crowded public spaces, and festive consumption of alcohol and drugs.
“Opportunistic criminals exploit crowded environments, and illicit brews and substance abuse threaten community safety. If you must drink, do so responsibly,” he advised, underscoring that personal vigilance is as important as government measures in maintaining public safety.
Security patrols have been intensified, with 24-hour operations covering urban centres, key towns, airports, border points, transport hubs, shopping centres, tourist sites, and public beaches.
Education and household financial planning were also part of Dr Omollo’s remarks.
With Grade 9 learners preparing to transition to Senior Secondary School, the PS urged parents to plan wisely for January school fees.
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He reminded National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) to ensure a 100 per cent transition rate, linking educational continuity to social stability.
A significant portion of the address was dedicated to the theme of devolution and improved governance.
Dr Omollo announced the operationalisation of 24 new sub-counties, 88 divisions, 314 locations, and 675 sub-locations across the country, noting that Kericho County will benefit from nine new administrative units.
“This expansion brings government services closer to the people, improves coordination with county governments, and strengthens grassroots administration,” he said.
According to the PS, these additional administrative units enhance the effectiveness of devolution by enabling local administrators to respond more quickly to community needs.
“Effective devolution is not only about political structures but also about functional systems that deliver services efficiently, including security, civil registration, disaster response, and social services,” Dr Omollo explained.
By decentralising authority and resources, the government empowers local officers to identify and address emerging issues, thereby reinforcing accountability and trust in public institutions.
Dr Omollo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs.
Recent training initiatives are designed to enable them to deliver services professionally and without fear, ensuring that grassroots governance is responsive, transparent, and effective.
He stressed that gang activity and organised crime will not be tolerated, with targeted operations continuing to prevent harm to communities.
Dr Omollo called on all Kenyans to celebrate responsibly, exercise caution, and cooperate with security agencies.
“By being alert, observing safety guidelines, and moderating our celebrations, we can enjoy the festive season in a safe and joyful way,” he said.
His address reflects a holistic approach that combines strong state security measures with citizen engagement, social responsibility, and the institutionalisation of devolution to ensure that no community is left behind.
Through these measures, the government seeks not only to secure the holiday period but also to reinforce the broader principles of service delivery, community participation, and peacebuilding at the grassroots level.
Dr Omollo’s remarks serve as a reminder that national security, social order, and effective governance are shared responsibilities that require both state action and citizen vigilance.
