President William Ruto has said the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) training camp will soon be moved from Eldoret to the Kerio Valley, in addition to a permanent military camp.
Speaking during an interdenominational prayer service in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet county, the head of state said the move is expected to intensify the ongoing security operation to eradicate banditry and cattle rustling in the region.
"I gave my commitment to end insecurity along the Kerio Valley. The recent sporadic attacks are the last kicks of a dying horse," said President Ruto.
Ruto assured communities living in the Kerio Valley that they will soon see the results of the fight against insecurity in the region.
He reminded the few criminal elements still operating in the Kerio Valley that their days were numbered.
The president said top security officials, including Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale (Defence) and Kithure Kindiki (Interior), Chief of Defence Forces Samson Ogolla and Inspector-General of Police Japheth Koome, had toured the region recently to review the progress of the operation.
"I want to assure the people of Kerio Valley, from Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot and Samburu to Turkana, that they are going to enjoy peace," Ruto said.
He said he would fully fulfill his pledge, adding that an end to the menace is in sight.
Ruto said Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki was under firm instructions to ensure the two sub-counties were operational in the next 90 days.
"I am asking those who are in possession of illegal arms to surrender them to the government or face the consequences," said President Ruto.
He said the government would deal ruthlessly with criminals, saying the gangs do not terrorise people on behalf of their communities.
The Head of State pointed out that top security teams have agreed on how to deploy personnel in the Kerio Valley.
"The security personnel will from now patrol along the River Kerio and not shopping centres. It will, therefore, be safe for residents to resume farming activities," said President Ruto.
At the same time, the Head of State directed Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Mohamed to ensure that public land that had been grabbed in Iten town was repossessed.
"It's unfortunate that I have not been able to launch the affordable housing programme in this town because of lack of space. Those who have grabbed government land here should surrender it in the shortest time possible," President Ruto said.
He said he would deal firmly with corruption, impunity and vested interests, which have derailed development in the country for decades.
"National development will not be derailed by vested interests. The transformation of this country has been delayed for too long. It's time we take tough decisions to transform this great nation," Ruto said.