Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has underscored the importance of collaboration between local community and the security organs in the fight against terrorism saying it has yielded results in the past.
The CS noted that the government shall only be able to roll out the five pillars of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation (BETA) Agenda if the country is peaceful and secure.
Hon. Duale made the sentiments today when he held a series of security meetings in Mokowe and Faza areas in Lamu County when he met elected leaders, heads of various security agencies and the local community.
He informed the leaders led by Governor Issa Timamy that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in collaboration with other security agencies are dedicated to ensuring that there was peace not only in Lamu but the entire coastal region
The Cabinet Secretary reiterated that it was high time the region reclaimed it’s former glory as a leading tourism destination among Kenya’s neighbouring countries and a key contributor to economic growth of our country.
“The Government has made a serious investment in the region including the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor which calls for concerted efforts from all of us to protect this critical investment, life and property of the locals. The CS said
“This area used to attract tourism in the past but we’re going to upscale security situation to ensure this critical sector contributes to the growth of our economy,” He added.
He reaffirmed that, as a major component in the security infrastructure in the country, KDF remains steadfast to discharge their primary mandate of defending and protecting the Republic of Kenya against any external aggression and at the same time collaborate with other security agencies to protect the lives of the citizens, residents of Kenya and their property.
“We look upon the community to share with us important information and intelligence to enable us destabilize the networks of the enemy and forestall any further attacks from armed militias. We are going to hunt down the terrorists as well as their collaborators.” Hon Duale said.
During the day – long working tour, the CS talked to frontline troops deployed at Witu Forward Operating Base (FOB) where he commended them for their high level of patriotism, discipline and dedication to duty by working round the clock daily to ensure that the rest of their countrymen and women enjoy peace.
He assured the troops of the total support and facilitation by the top leadership of the Ministry to enable them discharge their noble duty more effectively and efficiently.
The CS wrapped up the tour by addressing a security meeting with locals at Faza where he implored the community to work closely with the security personnel for the country to realize the much desired fruits of peace.
He assured the locals that the incoming countrywide KDF recruitment drive shall be free and fair to all qualified youths.
During the working tour, the Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding Eastern Command GOC (EastComm) Major General Juma Mwinyikayi, Base Commander of Manda Base Brigadier Ng’ang’a, National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and elected leaders from the county.
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