- Interior CS Kindiki said his priority in 2024 will remain the safety and security of Kenyans.
- Reflecting on 2023 in Kinna, Isiolo on New Year's Eve, the CS noted that 2023 was a difficult year globally and locally.
Image: MINA
The Ministry of Interior has termed 2023 as a landmark year for the ministry.
On its X account, the ministry said this was in terms of successively and systematically collecting statistics thereby embracing the power of data.
Data from the Interior Ministry shows that in 2023, in an innovative approach to justice, 11,300 petty offenders found new purpose through community service, contributing positively to their local areas.
This initiative not only alleviated the pressure on the prison system but also provided a second chance for many to rebuild their lives as stated by the Ministry
The successful reintegration of 18,847 offenders back into the community was also a cornerstone of the Interior Ministry's achievements.
Also, 13,120 inmates embraced the light of education, enrolling in formal programs.
Another achievement was the registration of 6,966 members of the Pemba community as citizens, a long-awaited recognition that reinforced the government's commitment to inclusivity and human rights.
The relentless fight against cybercrime bore fruit with the recovery of Sh322.2 million, showcasing the government's increasing efficacy in navigating the complex world of digital crime.
The Shakahola tragedy, a sombre event in Kenya's recent history, saw 94 suspects arrested and 428 bodies recovered.
In a significant win for wildlife conservation, 2,323 poachers were arrested, underscoring Kenya’s commitment to protecting its unique and diverse fauna.
The arrest of 8,463 individuals over illicit brews and 6,800 in drug-related offences marked a significant step in curbing substance abuse, a social ill that has long plagued communities.
The training of 1,702 National Police Reservists in various counties was a move towards strengthening local law enforcement capabilities.
Additionally, Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the North Rift led to the arrest of 279 bandits and the recovery of 148 illegal firearms, dismantling networks that have long threatened peace in the region.
The recovery of 26,968 stolen cattle from bandits was more than just a law enforcement victory; it was a restoration of livelihoods and hope for many affected communities.
Interior CS Kindiki said his priority in 2024 will remain the safety and security of Kenyans.
Reflecting on 2023 in Kinna, Isiolo on New Year's Eve, the CS noted that 2023 was a difficult year globally and locally.
“Terrorism, banditry, narcotics, corruption, violence, cyber-attacks and climate change lingered as the most consequential threats to our Homeland Security. In our assessment, they will remain so into 2024,” Kindiki said.
Looking at some achievements, the Interior CS said that, under his leadership, incidents of banditry had notably decreased in 2023.
"The incidents of banditry and its debilitating effects on the people of the Northern Rift Valley Region have been contained by 70 per cent," he said.
The Interior boss stated it won't be business as usual in 2024.
Leveraging insights gained thus far, the Interior boss underscored the government's commitment to eliminating the scourge of banditry and dismantling its political, cultural, and commercial networks.
Kindiki affirmed that 2024 will be a pivotal year, marked by an escalation of efforts in the ongoing war against banditry.
"2024 will be the year of sustaining and upscaling the war on banditry. We will build on the successes and gains of 2023," he said.
"We have covered at least 70 per cent of this war and the remaining 30 per cent in a few parts of Samburu East, Samburu West, Isiolo, and Turkana."
Kindiki noted that the government is closing in on the criminals hiding there and orchestrating attacks in isolated areas.