The Kisumu County Government has unveiled a six-point security action plan aimed at tackling crime, dismantling criminal gangs and strengthening public safety across the county following a joint security meeting co-chaired by Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o and County Commissioner Mohamed Ramadhan Mwabudzo on Wednesday, July 1.
In a joint communiqué, the county and national government said the measures take immediate effect and are intended to enhance security, improve surveillance and eliminate criminal elements.
The urgent security meeting was convened following growing public concern over recent insecurity incidences in the county adding to the rising vigilante groups, illicit brews, poor road lighting, and sexual violence across the county.
“Following a high-level county security meeting co-chaired by the Governor and the County Commissioner, the joint council has resolved to implement immediate, decisive measures to enhance public safety, upscale surveillance, and eliminate criminal elements across the county,” the communiqué stated.
Among the resolutions, the committee pledged to crack down on political violence by regulating security at political events and eliminating the use of hired gangs.
“To eradicate goonism, the County Security Committee does not condone unregulated security and commits to provide adequate security on request for functions and activities across the county,” the statement said.
The county also announced a joint operation with public transport SACCOs and national security agencies to remove criminal elements from the matatu sector, while businesses found to be involved in criminal activities risk losing their operating licences and permits.
To strengthen grassroots security, the county will establish Village Security Committees and neighbourhood committees to improve intelligence sharing and coordination between residents and security agencies.
The committee further resolved to deploy an extensive CCTV surveillance network in partnership with the national government.
“High-definition cameras will be strategically installed across residential estates and key public zones to enhance security. This infrastructure will provide real-time monitoring and data to aid law enforcement in identifying, tracking, and prosecuting criminal actors,” the communiqué added.
The county also committed to accelerating the rehabilitation and maintenance of street lighting, particularly in crime hotspots, informal settlements and major transport corridors, to improve public safety and deter criminal activity at night.
The County Executive and the national government security team said they will maintain a zero-tolerance policy against lawlessness, with implementation teams already dispatched across all sub-counties.
