Coast residents, tourists are assured of enhanced security ahead of the festive season
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Coast Regional Commissioner (RC) Rhoda Onyancha has reassured residents and tourists, both local and international, that the government has put in place comprehensive security measures for the upcoming festive season. With the Coast being one of Kenya’s prime tourist destinations, Onyancha emphasized that authorities are fully prepared to ensure a safe and smooth holiday experience for all.
In a media briefing held at the Kenya School of Government (KSG) in Mombasa, Onyancha outlined the government’s plans to enhance security across the Coast region. She said that a multi-agency approach had been successful in maintaining peace throughout the year, with no significant security incidents since February. The regional commissioner highlighted that each county in the region had developed its own operational order to ensure a peaceful environment during the festive period.
“We have done well as a team, and each county has come up with an operational plan for securing the region during the holidays. There will be numerous events, not only in Mombasa but across other parts of the Coast, including Lamu and Malindi, where festivities have already taken place successfully. We are confident that this season will be peaceful, thanks to the collaboration at the sub-county level and the synergy between our security teams,” Onyancha said.
One of the major initiatives to enhance security during the holidays is the establishment of a multi-agency command center. This center will be responsible for responding to emergencies and addressing security concerns raised by the public. Onyancha urged residents to be vigilant and share intelligence reports on any suspicious activity through emergency hotlines like 911, 112, and 999.
The RC also acknowledged the support from various partners, including Reinvent, which has worked closely with the regional security committee to ensure the safety of the region. She added that security personnel would be stationed at high-traffic areas such as shopping malls, beaches, tourist resorts, places of worship, border points, and other public spaces where people typically gather during the holidays.
Onyancha pointed out that security forces have successfully dealt with machete-wielding gangs in areas such as Likoni and Kisauni sub-counties, thanks to an ongoing crackdown by the police. She also warned that police would remain steadfast in combating petty crimes like pickpocketing and mugging, deploying specialized teams to tackle these issues. She assured that, through the multi-agency approach, law enforcement would work cohesively to safeguard residents and visitors from all forms of crime.
Additionally, Onyancha advised parents to be extra cautious when visiting crowded areas like beaches with their children, especially as the festive season often sees an increase in cases of lost children. “Parents should pay close attention to their children, particularly girls, as there are ongoing concerns about femicide and sexual assault,” she said.
Onyancha further assured that the government would secure the region’s borders to prevent criminals from infiltrating the country and threatening its security. She emphasized that the movement of both people and goods would remain uninterrupted, with measures in place to prevent illegal activities.
Addressing the issue of counterfeiting, Onyancha announced that security forces would work to ensure that no counterfeit goods are smuggled into the region, particularly during the busy holiday season. She also reaffirmed that the ongoing fight against drug and substance abuse would continue, noting that significant progress had been made since March. “We have seized four tons of cannabis sativa in Kwale and Kilifi counties, along with 3.4 kilograms of heroin and 400 grams of cocaine,” she reported.
Regarding traffic management, Onyancha stated that, given the region’s well-developed infrastructure, authorities had developed strategies to minimize congestion during the holidays, especially in Mombasa and along key transport corridors. She also highlighted efforts to control noise pollution in public places like bars and churches, urging businesses to ensure that their activities do not disturb the peace of nearby residents.
Onyancha encouraged the business community to work closely with security agencies through community policing initiatives to address any challenges they may face during the festive period. She also called on local leaders to continue promoting peace and supporting security efforts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe environment for both residents and tourists, as this would also attract investors to the region.
In line with Onyancha’s remarks, Regional Police Commander George Seda reiterated the National Police Service’s commitment to tackling any form of criminal activity in the Coast region. Seda assured residents and visitors that all police units would work in close coordination to ensure a secure and peaceful environment during the holiday season.
With these enhanced security measures in place, residents and tourists can look forward to a safe and enjoyable festive season in the Coast region, where law enforcement agencies are fully committed to maintaining peace and order.
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