The government is set to partner with private security firms and resident associations to improve security in various parts of the country, starting with Nairobi, Nakuru and Mombasa.
Under the new programme dubbed ‘Building Safer Communities, Strengthening Security’, the Ministry of Interior and spearheaded by the Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) is set to empower the over 1.2 million private security officers to complement the police in keeping safety.
The programme, which is part of the KARA Usalama Mitaani Programme, takes a community-first approach to public safety to improve the government's reach and stem crime. In simple terms, the Usalama Mitaani reimagines public safety as a shared responsibility between residents, government, and private actors.
“We have slightly over 100,000 police officers. When you think about it, you begin to appreciate how impossible it is to place officers on every corner, which is why security must be a collaborative effort,” asserted Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo during the launch.
According to the Ministry of Interior, the programme, which was launched on Sunday, June 8, acknowledges that neighbourhoods, estates, and informal settlements are where real security starts, and it aims to use this as a crucial component in quickly reducing small-time crimes.
“Security is everyone’s concern. If we come together to keep our spaces safe, we will be in a better place,” noted Esther Passaris, the Women Representative, Nairobi County.
The programme will unite Resident Associations (RAs), private security firms, law enforcement agencies, and grassroots leaders to create safer communities from the ground up.
“Through digital platforms like the Hatua App, structured forums, and cross-sector training, residents will report incidents, share intelligence, and co-create tailored solutions in partnership with law enforcement, NGAOs, and private security firms,” the government said.
This was affirmed by the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, who said, “Kenyans must take an active role in safeguarding our country by working closely with security agencies.”
A central focus of the programme is tackling the rising crisis of drug and alcohol abuse among the youth, especially in urban slums and peri-urban areas.
According to the ministry, the initiative takes a multi-pronged approach, combining preventive education through faith institutions and peer-led outreach, community-based rehabilitation referrals, and joint enforcement efforts involving residents, private firms, and anti-narcotics agencies such as NACADA.
“With support from KARA, we’ve launched community-based rehabilitation centres, bringing recovery closer to the people and giving neighbourhoods the power to heal from within,” NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa said.
“Let’s respect the work of the national government. Let’s collaborate with respect to safeguard our ongoing development,” urged James Njoroge Muchiri, Deputy Governor, Nairobi.
