Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced the deployment of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) personnel in the Nyambene Game Reserve in Meru County to enhance security in the region. The move aims to curb cattle rustling and banditry, which have been a longstanding problem in the area. According to Prof Kindiki, the KWS security personnel will seal off routes used by heavily armed cattle raiders, who have been blamed for numerous deaths, injuries, and loss of livestock.
The operationalisation of the Nyambene Game Reserve has been a long-standing request from Meru leaders, who see the area as a potential tourist destination. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, as well as numerous tourist attractions such as the Igombe Crater. Local residents and leaders have urged the government to develop the area into a major tourist destination, which could also create jobs and boost the local economy.
The deployment of KWS personnel in the Nyambene Conservancy is part of a broader effort to enhance security in the region. According to Prof Kindiki, the conservancy will act as a buffer zone, with KWS personnel sealing off routes used by cattle rustlers and bandits. The move has been welcomed by local residents, including George Murithi, a livestock trader, who said that the operationalisation of the game reserve offers a lot of potential in terms of wildlife conservation, job creation, and mitigation against cattle rustling.
In addition to the deployment of KWS personnel, Prof Kindiki announced that the number of National Police Reservists (NPR) has been increased to support formed-up specialised security units to neutralise dangerous cattle rustlers and bandits. He expressed confidence that the NPR will partner with other security agencies to curb insecurity in the region. The DP also announced that Sh10m had been released for the construction of a police station at Kiengu in Igembe Central, as part of efforts to bolster security in the area.
Prof Kindiki also addressed the issue of illicit liquor, which has been blamed for deaths and other harmful effects on consumers. He vowed to lead the war against illicit and lethal alcoholic drinks, directing County Commissioners, Chiefs, and other administrative officials to work together to eradicate the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic drinks. The DP was speaking at Kiutine in Igembe Central, Meru County, on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The event was attended by several leaders, including MPs Mpuru Aburi and Dan Kiili, who rallied the people to support President William Ruto's re-election with Kindiki as his running mate. Aburi said that the people will support Ruto as President in 2027 and then Kindiki as President in 2032. The leaders also thanked Prof Kindiki for his efforts to enhance security in the region and urged him to continue working to address the challenges facing the community.
The operationalisation of the Nyambene Game Reserve and the deployment of KWS personnel are part of a broader effort to enhance security and development in Meru County. The move is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and community, and to help mitigate the challenges of cattle rustling and banditry in the region. Key stakeholders are optimistic that the initiative will yield positive results and improve the overall security situation in the area.
Key points
- Deployment of KWS personnel in Nyambene Game Reserve to curb cattle rustling and banditry
- Operationalisation of Nyambene Game Reserve to boost tourism and job creation
- Government releases Sh10m for construction of police station at Kiengu in Igembe Central
