Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-21 14:50:16
The Ministry of Interior has announced plans to establish 10 anti-terror roadblocks along various highways in the country as part of efforts to enhance security and prevent terrorists from gaining access to the country. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki made this revelation during a committee hearing in the National Assembly on Thursday, March 21. He emphasized that a multi-agency team would be responsible for manning these roadblocks to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Kindiki disclosed that the government had already set up three similar roadblocks in different parts of the country, with one along Thika Road. These existing roadblocks have proven to be vital in thwarting serious security threats, and the teams manning them have been instrumental in safeguarding the country. Kindiki asserted that no one would receive special treatment at these security checkpoints, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strict security protocols.
“We have three multi-agency counter-terrorism roadblocks, and we will not remove them. In fact, we plan to expand the initiative to include a total of 13 roadblocks at strategic locations across the country,” Kindiki stated. He highlighted specific locations where the roadblocks were already operational, such as Archers post on the Moyale-Isiolo Highway, Kanyonyo on the Garissa-Mwingi-Thika Highway, and Sabaki near Garsen. Kindiki praised the special multi-agency teams manning these roadblocks for their significant contributions to national security.
In addition to anti-terror roadblocks, Kindiki mentioned the existence of strategic checkpoints aimed at preventing the entry of undocumented individuals into the country. He noted that while some roadblocks were being reduced, the police were utilizing technology to monitor traffic effectively.
Furthermore, Kindiki addressed the issue of passport delays, attributing them to a global shortage of passport booklets. He acknowledged the Government’s responsibility for the persistent delays and revealed that steps were being taken to address the backlog in passport processing. The Government had settled pending bills amounting to Ksh380 million owed to passport suppliers by the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services.
To combat corruption within the Immigration Department, Kindiki assured the public that a crackdown on corrupt officials was underway. Seventeen officers had already been arrested and prosecuted, with ongoing intelligence-led investigations to identify more officials involved in extorting passport applicants amidst the shortage of booklets.
In summary, the Ministry of Interior’s initiatives, including the establishment of anti-terror roadblocks and efforts to address passport delays and corruption, reflect a commitment to enhancing national security and efficiency in service delivery. The multi-agency approach and use of technology underscore the government’s determination to safeguard the country and ensure the smooth processing of essential documents like passports.
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