Multi-pronged strategies needed to secure the volatile areas of Kenya

The government should be lauded for undertaking strategic decisions and interventions that have ensured the safety of all of us, including thwarting targeted attacks and keeping wrong does at bay. While at that, frequent insecurity cases in Northern Kenya, Rift valley and other parts of the country must be stopped forthwith for us to achieve the Kenya Vision 2030 and other developmental aspirations that we are committed to, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In order to address and secure these parts once and for all, there is need to supplement the programmes by the Interior ministry with other interventions and programmes, hence there is need for multi-pronged strategies to address insecurities in the country. Six multi-pronged activities are needed urgently for these areas. First is the need to provide adequate infrastructure like roads being paved to bitumen standards which will enable rapid deployment of security personnel to quell any attacks and hence have operational advantage over the criminals. In addition, there is need to provide good telecommunication infrastructure- mobile telephony lines, connectivity, boosters and masts that will ensure that residents and security personnel can make timely calls and hence thwart any adverse attacks. The mobile companies should work with government to make this a reality as a matter of urgency and corporate social responsibility.

Secondly, there is need to address the causes of conflicts in these areas which are the foundations upon which insecurity grows, issues around access to land, pasture and other opportunities should be addressed such that conflicts are highlighted, transformed and resolved or managed. Thirdly, there is need for massive investment in productive economic activities through deliberate interventions that can occupy many of the residents and hence drive them away from insecurity related activities. These areas are ripe for manufacturing, mineral exploitation, large scale ranching, agriculture and establishment of institutions of learning. Fourthly, all forms of marginalization should be addressed through the operationalization of the equalization fund. Fifth, corruption that allows the criminals to hide amongst us without being reported should end because no one will be safe is such people continue to thrive. Sixth, there is need to re-look at the culture of the residents and remove or modify their cultural orientations such that any cultural practice that promotes insecurity is replaced. Dr. Mutegi Giti, Urban Manager, Nairobi, mutegigiti@gmail.com, @danielgiti.