Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-16 21:00:00
The fight against terrorism and other violent crimes necessitates the use of enhanced intelligence gathering, superb skills, and co-operation between the various security agencies. An endemic problem that requires serious attention is the rampant banditry in the North Rift and other northern regions. The so-called cattle rustlers, who are, indeed, vicious armed robbers wielding sophisticated weapons, continue to wreak havoc. Additionally, security agencies are grappling with an increase in violent crimes by gangs in both towns and rural areas.
To address these challenges, the Kenya Defence Forces have been leading a campaign in the North Rift for several months. The approach involves security personnel reaching out to local communities for support, proving to be more effective than the use of brutal force. In support of these efforts, the Interior ministry has received the first batch of a Sh7 billion equipment procurement for the scaling up of the campaign to secure the country. A total of Sh37 billion will be spent over the next five years to upgrade the equipment.
In the coming months, the country will also receive drones and other high-tech surveillance equipment, as well as helicopters and sophisticated weapons. However, it is imperative that the officers expected to use the equipment are well-trained in advanced skills. This is crucial in neutralizing the enemy and ensuring the safety of the people.
As part of the efforts to combat crime, the equipment for the National Police Service has been upgraded, along with the procurement of modern equipment for the Kenya Coast Guard. The main thrust here is terrorism, but criminals targeting towns and rural villages must not be spared. There is an urgent need to fight Al-Shabaab and other criminal gangs to protect the people, their businesses, and homes.
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has identified terrorism as the top threat to national security. He emphasizes that the war on crime will only be won through training to equip security personnel with effective skills. It is important to note that acquiring equipment alone will not win the war against crime. The integrity, morale, intelligence, and discipline of the personnel are crucial in the fight against terrorism and other violent crimes. Collaboration and co-operation between security agencies are necessary to effectively combat these threats and ensure the safety and security of the people.
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