Govt moves to curb Gen Z’s occupy culture at events
By Valerian Khakayi, December 16, 2025The Ministry of Interior has partnered with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) to promote civic responsibility during public events, amid growing concerns over the so-called ‘occupy culture’ among some young people.
During a Ministerial Stakeholder Forum, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo, and KEPSA’s Security Sector Board Chairperson, Annette Kimitei, highlighted these issues, emphasising the need for stronger event security and civic responsibility.
In a statement shared on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, they stated that this phenomenon involves individuals, including criminal groups, accessing event venues without following security protocols or ticketing requirements, posing risks to public safety.
“We have partnered with @KEPSA_KENYA to strengthen civic responsibility during public events. This partnership responds to the emerging ‘occupy culture’, where some individuals, including criminal groups, access event venues without observing security protocols or ticketing requirements,” the statement reads.
and KEPSA’s Security Sector Board Chairperson, Annette Kimitei, during a Ministerial Stakeholder Forum. PHOTO/@InteriorKE/X
The partnership comes as the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) finalises new regulations to ensure that businesses hire qualified and professional security managers.
“It also comes as the Private Security Regulatory Authority @PSRAuthority finalises key private security regulations to ensure businesses hire qualified and professional security managers,” the statement reads.
On the other hand, Omollo, during the meeting, urged the young people to reflect on their civic duties, embrace a sense of ownership of national security, and actively play their rightful role in safeguarding the country.
“We are deeply concerned about the weak security culture among citizens. From ignoring safety protocols at public events to disruptions during protests, these behaviours put lives and livelihoods at risk,” Omollo said.
“There is urgent work to be done to build a culture of public order and personal responsibility.”
He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships between the private sector and citizens to advance shared national priorities.
“We recognise the importance of working together with the private sector to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens. The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) is finalising key regulations to strengthen the private security industry. A professional and well-regulated sector is essential to national security,” he said.