The Kenyan government has made significant recoveries in its fight against banditry, with 2,600 illegal firearms and 17,000 livestock retrieved through Operation Maliza Uhalifu and the subsequent disarmament campaign, Operation Rudisha Bunduki. Launched in February 2023, these operations are part of a broader strategy to restore security in areas disrupted by banditry, which has affected education, trade, livestock farming, and access to essential services.
According to Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo, the approach combines security deployments with investments in infrastructure, public services, and community-led initiatives aimed at addressing the underlying causes of recurring violence. This multi-faceted strategy seeks to create lasting peace and stability in affected regions. The operations have been instrumental in recovering the stolen livestock and illegal firearms.
The government has invested over KSh4.2 billion in security roads and related infrastructure, resulting in the construction or improvement of more than 520 kilometres of roads. These projects aim to improve access to markets, healthcare facilities, and other essential services while supporting economic activity in areas affected by insecurity. Improved infrastructure is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and community well-being.
In addition to infrastructure development, the government has also focused on restoring education infrastructure in affected communities. The rehabilitation of classrooms at Ngarachi Comprehensive School in Laikipia by Kenya Defence Forces engineers and their partners is a notable example. Security interventions must be supported by functioning schools, health facilities, and water systems to enable communities to benefit from improved stability.
Omollo emphasized the importance of community participation in preventing attacks, identifying security threats, and resolving disputes, particularly those involving access to grazing land and water resources. He identified Nyumba Kumi structures, National Government Administration Officers, and local security teams as important channels for intelligence gathering and early intervention. Community engagement is crucial in sustaining peace and security efforts.
The government also intends to intensify operations against criminal networks involved in livestock theft, including financiers of raids and individuals facilitating the trade in stolen animals. Omollo stressed that lasting peace would require addressing historical grievances between neighbouring communities, supporting families affected by violence, and expanding economic opportunities for young people. A comprehensive approach is necessary to tackle the root causes of banditry.
The success of the security interventions will ultimately be measured by whether children can attend school without disruption, pastoralists can move livestock safely, and businesses can operate without fear of attacks. The government says its long-term objective is to consolidate security gains, strengthen public infrastructure, and enable communities in banditry-affected regions to pursue economic opportunities without the threat of renewed violence.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has recovered 2,600 illegal firearms and 17,000 livestock through anti-banditry operations.
- The government has invested over KSh4.2 billion in security infrastructure, improving access to essential services.
- Community participation and engagement are crucial in sustaining peace and security efforts in affected regions.
