IPOA calls for collaboration to rebuild trust between police and Mandera residents
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has called for stronger collaboration between the police and local communities to rebuild public trust and enhance security, particularly in conflict-prone regions.
In a statement on Thursday, August 7, 2025, the Authority stated that IPOA Commissioner Micah Onyiego, speaking during high-level engagements in Mandera County, emphasised the importance of collective efforts in addressing cross-border conflict and improving community-police relations.
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“Onyiego emphasised the need for a united approach and urged collaboration among police, religious leaders, and community influencers to restore peace and rebuild trust between the community and the police,” read the statement in part.
It also revealed that Onyiego led discussions involving officers from the National Police Service (NPS), the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), and key community stakeholders.
He urged police officers to work closely with religious leaders and community influencers in fostering peace, accountability, and mutual respect.
The engagement was supported by Tetra Tech’s REINVENT Programme and highlighted IPOA’s continued commitment to promoting professionalism and accountability in policing.
Isiolo-Wajir-Mandera road
This comes a few months after senior government officials drawn from the security and infrastructure sector convened for a strategic meeting to discuss measures to secure the Isiolo-Wajir-Mandera road in a bid to enhance security and accelerate infrastructure development in northern Kenya.
The meeting, chaired by Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo on February 12, 2025, brought together Principal Secretary for Roads Joseph Mbugua and Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration (MINA) disclosed that their discussions centred on fortifying security along the crucial transport corridor, which has been a target of terrorist attacks by suspected al-Shabaab militants.
“Implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority, the road is envisioned to be a key driver in integrating Kenya’s northern frontier into the national economy,” MINA said.
The 740-kilometre Isiolo-Wajir-Mandera road is a flagship project under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project expected to enhance trade and connectivity between Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, unlocking economic activities in a region long plagued by insecurity and underdevelopment.
However, persistent security threats along the corridor have hampered progress, with attacks on travellers and construction personnel by insurgents linked to the Somalia-based al-Shabaab terror group.
