Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has said the government will spend at least Sh20 billion for the modernisation of the equipment used by security officers in the Northeastern Region.
This is aimed at enhancing the capacity of the officers tasked with handling terrorism and banditry in the region.
"We have already set aside Sh20 billion to purchase advanced security equipment, including armoured personnel carrier vehicles, drones and other gadgets so that our security agencies get proper safety as they effectively fight the terrorists," Kindiki said.
The CS spoke on Tuesday when he held a consultative engagement with the Mandera Central subcounty Security and Intelligence Committee, National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), community and religious leaders.
He called for collaboration between the community and religious leaders and the security agencies.
"Through these collaborative partnerships, security agencies will crush violent extremists, combat cross-border crime, and facilitate development in the North Eastern Region," he added.
Kindiki also visited Wajir and Garissa counties where he held a series of engagements with Counties Security and Intelligence Committees, leaders and residents.
He affirmed that the government will defeat the groups that pose a security risk to the country, including the al Shabaab.
Over the weekend, the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Francis Ogolla visited Kenyan troops in Somalia as part of a morale boost ahead of a major planned operation against the al Shabaab terror group.
He also held talks with Jubba Land leader Ahmed Madobe.
