Garissa: Security officials in the northeastern region have formed a multi-sectoral committee to examine emerging security threats and propose mitigation measures. Some of the main emerging security threats include the increase of juvenile gangs in Garissa town, drug smuggling and abuse, and gender-based violence.
According to Kenya News Agency, the north eastern regional commissioner, Join Otieno, spoke to the press after holding the first meeting of the multi-sectoral forum. The forum brings together county commissioners, regional and county police commanders, religious leaders, civil society representatives, youth and women leaders, and boda boda association leaders, allowing all sectors to be heard. Otieno noted that the multi-agency approach to security issues had helped in keeping the region from attack incidents except for the recent IED attack in Liboi that left two police officers dead and five others in critical condition.
Otieno emphasized the importance of the forum, stating, "This is a very important forum that allows the state and non-state actors to be able to sit together, share information regarding security and to be able to strategise on how to improve security and service delivery within the region." He also highlighted the need for following the normal court process in cases of gender-based violence, discouraging traditional methods like Maslah for such issues.
The regional commissioner stressed the significance of security for the region's economic development, saying, "For us to realise meaningful development in the region we must ensure that there is adequate security and members of the public can be able to go about their business without fear, we can be in a position to make the north eastern region a 24hr economy when we work together as a team."
Mohamed Khalif, a local-based human rights activist, praised the creation of the forum as a significant step in improving collaboration between the public and security agencies. "This is the most beautiful thing that has happened where we integrate security and civilians. This forum will help in bridging the trust between the security agencies and the members of the public," Khalif remarked.