New Government Plan to Improve Security in Estates Across Kenya
The government has introduced a new plan aimed at strengthening security in residential areas by working together with private security firms and resident associations.
This initiative will start in major cities like Nairobi, Nakuru, and Mombasa, with the goal of spreading it to other parts of the country.
The programme is called “Building Safer Communities, Strengthening Security”, and it’s led by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA).
It is designed to empower over 1.2 million private security guards across Kenya to work hand-in-hand with the police to boost safety in neighbourhoods.
This plan is part of the KARA Usalama Mitaani Programme, which focuses on making security a shared responsibility. Rather than relying only on police, it brings together the government, residents, and private security players to form strong, safe communities.
The idea is to create a people-centred approach to safety, where everyone takes part in protecting their own environment.
Speaking during the launch, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo emphasized the importance of joint effort in security matters.
He noted that the government only has around 100,000 police officers, which makes it impossible to post officers in every street or estate. “That’s why it’s critical for security to become a collaborative mission,” he explained.
The Ministry of Interior pointed out that true safety begins at the community level—in estates, neighbourhoods, and informal settlements. By focusing on these areas, the new initiative hopes to address petty crimes more effectively and improve overall public safety.
Nairobi County Women Representative Esther Passaris echoed this message by stating, “Security is a concern for all of us. When we come together and take responsibility for our neighbourhoods, we can make them safer for everyone.”
The new plan will bring together Resident Associations (RAs), private security companies, law enforcement bodies, and local grassroots leaders to build safer communities from the ground up. These groups will work in harmony to create customized solutions that directly address the specific safety challenges in their areas.
Digital tools will also play a big role in this programme. Through platforms like the Hatua App, residents will be able to report crimes, share safety concerns, and work closely with police, local authorities, and private guards to respond quickly to threats. The government also plans to organize regular training and open forums to build trust and cooperation between the different partners.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja highlighted the importance of citizens participating in national security. “Kenyans must be active in protecting their own communities. Close cooperation with security forces is key,” he said.
Another major focus of the initiative is to fight the growing problem of drug and alcohol abuse among the youth, particularly in urban slums and areas just outside the city.
The government is adopting a wide-ranging strategy that includes education through churches and mosques, youth-led outreach efforts, community-based rehab referrals, and joint enforcement with private security, local groups, and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).
NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa shared that KARA’s support has helped to open local rehabilitation centres, making it easier for people to access help and recover within their own neighbourhoods. “We are bringing recovery services closer to the community and giving local residents the power to heal their own spaces,” he said.
Nairobi Deputy Governor James Njoroge Muchiri urged citizens to support the national government’s efforts. “Let’s honour and respect the work being done by our government. Let us cooperate fully in ensuring that development and safety go hand in hand,” he appealed.
This new government initiative is a bold step toward building a more secure, united, and drug-free society. By involving residents directly in safety matters and supporting them with technology and partnerships, the programme promises to reshape how security is managed in Kenya.
Join Gen Z New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
