The Ministry of Interior has revealed plans to establish 10 anti-terror roadblocks across various highways in the country.
Speaking during a committee hearing in the National Assembly on Thursday, March 21, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki explained that a multi-agency team will man the roadblocks.
He explained that the roadblocks are crucial in ensuring that the terrorists do not gain access to the country.
The CS revealed that the government had already set up three similar roadblocks in various parts of the country including one along Thika Road.
He added that the teams manning the roadblocks had already thwarted serious security threats to the country adding that no one will be getting special treatment at the security checkpoints.
"We have three multi-agency counter-terrorism roadblocks and we will not remove them. In fact, we want to add them to 13. One is on the Archers post on the Moyale -Isiolo Highway. The other is in Kanyonyo on the Garissa-Mwingi -Thika Highway and one on Sabaki because of the road from Garsen.
"The team there is special and is multi-agency. They have helped the country stop various serious threats. Even for me, they stop me until they realise I am the minister. We will increase the counter-terrorism roadblocks to protect the country," he stated.
On the other hand, he stated that there were other strategic roadblocks which have been erected at strategic points to prevent the entry of undocumented people into the country.
However, he detailed that the other roadblocks in the country were being reduced as the police resorted to the use of technology to monitor traffic.
Passport Delays
On the other hand, the CS also addressed the delays in the issuance of passports revealing that there was also a shortage of booklets globally.
"The Government regrets the persistent delays in the issuance of passports and other citizenship documents. To enhance efficiency and clear the passport processing backlog, the Government has settled pending bills worth Ksh380 Million that the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services owed suppliers.
"A crackdown on corrupt officials at the Immigration Department is on. 17 officers have been arrested and prosecuted, and intelligence-led investigations are underway to identify more officials who are taking advantage of the passport booklets shortage to extort applicants," he stated.
