SEEKING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS TO INSECURITY CHALLENGES

General Officer Commanding Western Command Major General (Maj Gen) David Tarus and Samburu County Governor Hon Leti Leletit on 24 January 2023 held a meeting with the Multi-Agency Technical Committee on the development of a National Shared Security Strategy for Enduring Peace and Security in the North Rift Region and Samburu County leadership at Maralal, Samburu County.

The Committee is mandated to develop a Socio-Economic and Security Plan to restore lasting peace in the region.

The meeting provided a platform for the Committee to get insights and recommendations from the leadership of Samburu County on ways of finding lasting solutions to the security challenges in the area. During the deliberations, Samburu Governor, Hon Lati Lelelit stressed on the importance of investing in the education sector particularly in areas affected by cattle rustling. The leaders further stated that the Committee should recommend to the government to construct and repair existing infrastructure such as security roads, provision of water, health facilities and communication assets.

Maj Gen Tarus stated that the Committee is working on a five-fold Marshal Plan to address the challenges. The Plan comprises of security line of action, the socio-economic, information & media, political and the socio-cultural facets.

On their part, the County leaders pledged full support of the proposals. The Committee had previously received input from political leaders, religious leaders, scholars, security experts, security and intelligence committees, and opinion leaders from other parts of the region including Turkana, Baringo and Laikipia.

The meeting was attended by Members of Parliament Hon Naisula Lesuuda (Samburu West), Hon Jackson Lekumontare (Samburu East) and Hon Eli Lepitila (Samburu North), Samburu County Woman Representative Hon Pauline Lenguris, Samburu County Members of County Assembly and representatives, Senior Officers from the National Police Service led by Assistant Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli, Samburu County Commissioner Henry Wafula, Senior Officers from various Ministries such as Roads, Health, Education, Interior, Lands/Physical Planning, Water, Sanitation and Irrigation.