Kindiki says government committed to address cross-border security concerns

The government will sustain efforts to deal with cross-border security challenges to enhance trade and peaceful coexistence between Kenya and her neighbours.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure said Tuesday during the operationalization of Teso Central Sub-County in Busia, that a secure border is critical in the country’s economic development.

To ease congestion in border towns, reduce traffic accidents, and boost trade between Kenya and other East Africa Community Member States, Kindiki said the Government will prioritize dualling of the Eldoret-Bungoma-Malaba road.

The Interior CS stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring the smooth operation of border areas by deploying officers with unwavering integrity and tackling graft.

“We will make sure we have the right people with the right frame of mind there (border), whose work will be to promote trade, investment and security as well as good neighborliness between the countries of Kenya and Uganda,” he said.

Furthermore, he announced plans to enhance border infrastructure to facilitate seamless cross-border trade and movement for citizens of both countries.

Turning his attention to the country’s economic situation, CS Kindiki highlighted the pressing need for collaboration between the national and devolved governments.

Combating crime

He underscored the importance of finding ways to improve the welfare of ordinary citizens, particularly the youth who have been driven to criminal activities due to unemployment.

“This government is making every effort to increase job possibilities at the grassroots and throughout Kenya in order to keep youth from becoming involved in illicit drug use and criminality,” he said.

Kindiki emphasized that the government is actively working to create job opportunities at the grassroots level, urging young people to explore alternative income-generating avenues.

Commenting on the security situation in Busia, the Interior CS issued a stern warning to criminal gangs operating in Busia vowing action on those responsible.

Kindiki instructed the Busia County and Sub-Counties Security and Intelligence Committees to track, apprehend, and prosecute criminal gangs terrorising citizens.

“We are going to crackdown on all leaders of gangs that are unleashing terror on innocent people in Busia County,” he said.

He added that the Government will establish more administrative units to bring services closer to the people.

He urged all the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) across the country to serve citizens with dedication and courtesy.

Present in the event was Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera, Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, Principal Administrative Secretary, Executive Office of the President Arthur Osiya and other National and County Governments officials.

Source: Capital