The government, through the Ministry of Interior, has revealed that cattle rustling in the North Rift region has been reduced by 62 per cent.
In a statement on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the ministry attributed the reduction to the government security initiative dubbed Operation Maliza Uhalifu which targeted escalating banditry, cattle rustling, and violence in nine counties.
The counties included Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru.
In addition, the Ministry says during the operation, 250 suspects were arrested and prosecuted.
“The operation brought together the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in a coordinated effort to restore peace and stability in the region. The operation has led to a 62% reduction in several cattle rustling occurrences, with cases dropping from 63,054 stolen livestock to 23,668 decline of 39,386 heads of cattle. Notably, 172 illegal firearms were collected during mop-up exercises and 10,173 livestock have been recovered.
“During the same period, 250 suspects, including 14 political leaders, were arrested and prosecuted,” reads part of the Ministry of Interior statement.
Apart from the reduction of cattle rustling, the government says that uninterrupted learning in the North Rift region was experienced this year with candidates sitting for their KPSEA and KCSE exams without any security challenges.
However, the ministry noted that 13 schools have remained closed and pupils relocated to other schools, primarily in Baringo, West Pokot, and Turkana Counties.
“A budget of Ksh.100 million was allocated to rehabilitate 34 out of 39 schools closed due to banditry-related violence and displacement. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has played a crucial role in this reconstruction effort and to date, 26 schools have reopened and at least 4,000 children went back to school marking a significant step towards recovery. Renovations have been completed or are underway in 21 schools, with Baringo County being the most affected.
“No schools were closed in Elgeyo Marakwet County and all previously closed schools in Laikipia and Samburu are now operational,” reads part of the Ministry of Interior statement.
Security measures
The government further stated that they have restructured the management of the National Police Reservists and created 126 new administrative units across the counties in the North Rift region.
“To strengthen local security, the Government has restructured the management and command of the National Police Reservists. In 2023, a total of 1,702 reservists were recruited and trained in Baringo, Samburu, Laikipia, Meru, Turkana, and West Pokot. At least 400 reservists in Elgeyo Marakwet and in Isiolo, were re-armed to supplement the ongoing security operations in the area.
“To enhance governance and improve service delivery, the Government gazetted 126 new administrative units across Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Meru, and Laikipia Counties. This initiative is aimed at strengthening local administration, improving resource allocation, and enabling a more effective response to security challenges,” reads part of the Ministry of Interior statement.
UPDATE – OPERATION MALIZA UHALIFU NORTH RIFT
— Ministry of Interior | Kenya (@InteriorKE) December 18, 2024
We recognize that the journey to lasting peace is ongoing and as we move forward, we will continue to build on these gains for a safe North Rift and secure Kenya.@kdfinfo @NPSOfficial_KE @PoliceKE @APSKenya pic.twitter.com/rWeG8Bjru9
