The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the National Police Service (NPS) have employed state-of-the-art technology to flush out bandits in the North Rift region.
Security agencies are using satellites to pinpoint the exact locations where the bandits are holed up in.
The satellites which are being provided by the United States government are employed to fight banditry in Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu and Elgeyo Marakwet.
Images relayed by the satellites help KDF soldiers know where to ambush to recover stolen livestock and apprehend bandits.
The technology is further bolstering efforts to realise a long-term peace solution to the North Rift region.
This is because the information is being used to learn how bandits operate and their profiling will lead to the introduction of counter-measures to contain them.
For a long time, Kenyan security agencies have been unable to convict anyone for financing banditry despite high-profile arrests.
With help from the US, KDF and police will be able to trace the main financiers of banditry and who profiteers from cattle rustling in the region.
Through the joint operation, KDF and NPS recovered weapons being used by the bandits and they are hopeful that the satellite images will reveal who supplies the bandits with weapons.
President William Ruto ordered the deployment of KDF to help NPS combat insecurity in North Rift on February 13.
Immediately after the order from the Head of State, Defence Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale gazetted the deployment of KDF soldiers.
On February 21, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki announced that the deployment of KDF soldiers did not need Parliament's approval.
“We are in the North as the security apparatus of Kenya to stay. The presence will not be withdrawn,” he vowed.
