Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has said Security agencies are prioritising intelligence-led security operations to deal with terrorism and banditry.
The CS on Tuesday said that the new shift has assisted the operations to pre-empt and thwart attacks as opposed to reactive operations
"We have prioritised Intelligence-led security operations to deal with terrorism," he said in Garissa.
The Kenya Kwanza Government said it was investing in community-based intelligence, drone surveillance technology, modern personal protection equipment and the application of land and air assets to neutralize bandits and rustlers.
As a result, CS Kindiki set up a High-Level Counter Banditry Land and Air Team (LAT) complete with a Situation Room at the Ministry Headquarters to oversight daily progress in this war.
The move comes even as bandits continue to wreak havoc in different parts of the country.
Speaking at Shanta Abaq Town in Lagdera Constituency, Kindiki urged the communities to join forces and work with security.
"For us to succeed in the war against terror and extremism, our security officers must work closely with local communities," he said.
The CS also urged the security forces not to treat local communities as enemies but to seek information from the people on the terrorists who are the real enemies.
Kindiki insisted that the war is between the Government and terrorists, not State and local communities.
"Tusiumize wananchi, tufanye kazi nao ili tuweze kuwasaka na kuwakimbiza magaidi. Hao ndio maadui wetu. Hakuna uadui kati ya serikali na wananchi au jamii yoyote. Adui wa serikali na wananchi ni magaidi na wahalifu wengine. Mhalifu hana kabila," he said.
This loosely translates to: "We shouldn't hurt the citizens, we work with them so that we can get hold of terrorists. Those are the real enemies. There is no enmity between the government and Kenyans or any other community. The enemy of the people and the government are these terrorists and other criminals. A terrorist has no tribe".
In addition, the CS commended efforts by security officers who are working in difficult and risky areas.
Some have even lost their lives as they fought terrorists.
Kindiki added that the Government was modernising security equipment, including personal protective gear, to help security officers execute their mandate better.
The initial phase of the government's Sh7 billion security equipment will commence distribution commenced last month
The deployment targeted areas susceptible to terrorism and banditry, specifically focusing on enhancing safety measures in regions like North Eastern, Upper Eastern, and Upper Coastal areas.
In efforts to address evolving security threats, the government unveiled a robust 5-year security equipment modernization plan, estimated at Sh37 billion.
Detailing the acquisition process, CS Kindiki disclosed an expenditure of approximately Sh7 billion over the past year for the procurement of security equipment to empower personnel in handling emerging threats effectively.
"The second consignment, featuring drones and other modern surveillance equipment, is scheduled to arrive in the country within the next two months, while the third consignment, including gunship helicopters and other aerial mobility equipment, is expected within a year," he said.
