The government has made significant progress in reducing banditry incidents and their consequences by up to 70%, according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.

The CS was speaking on Boxing Day when he shared a meal with officers serving on the frontlines at Karanga Joto, at the border of Baringo North and Tiaty Sub-Counties in Baringo County.

He was accompanied by Regional, County, and Sub-County security agency heads, as well as Unit Field Commanders.

Prof. Kithure, who also inspected the progress of new security facilities, stated that the government is committed to eliminating the banditry threat and is stepping up efforts to destroy its political, cultural, and commercial networks.

'...I want to thank you all our officers for living up to your oath of office and diligently facing the criminal elements and bandits ,who for years have terrorised innocent residents of Northern Rift Valley and made their lives difficult. There is no greater sacrifice than what you are doing to keep our country safe...'CS Kithure said. 

According to the Interior Ministry's boss, the war on bandits is 70% won, with the remaining 30% concentrated in a few areas of Samburu East, Samburu West, Isiolo County, and Turkana County.

"We have covered at least 70% in this war and the remaining 30% in a few parts of Samburu East, Samburu West, Isiolo County, and Turkana County, we are closing in on the criminals hiding there and orchestrating attacks in isolated areas," he added. 

"2024 will be the year of sustaining and upscaling the war on banditry. We will build on the successes and gains of 2023." 

According to the CS, next year will be a significant year in the fight against banditry, with the security agencies in charge of the matter focused on eradicating banditry in order to open up the Northern Rift Valley Region for development and economic growth, social infrastructure, and amenities such as schools, medical facilities, and markets. 

To strengthen Kenya's security capacity, CS Kithure revealed that the government will spend at least Ksh.7 billion per year to modernise security officers' equipment.

"We will be spending at least Ksh.7B every year, to modernise the equipment for our security officers," he added. 

"The first consignment of modern equipment that includes MRAPs, aerial surveillance kits that includes drones and personal protective gear is on the way and will be arriving in the country in the next 7 to 10 days...''