Curfew in Turkana to be reviewed following improved security situation

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen during the Jukwaa la Usalama town hall meeting at the Ekalees Cultural Center, Lodwar.

The government plans to review the curfew that has been in place for the past three years to curb insecurity in Turkana, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed.

Speaking during a media briefing in Lodwar after a closed-door security meeting under the Jukwaa la Usalama initiative, Murkomen said the decision follows a return of relative calm in Turkana South and East.

“I will be reviewing the curfew timing based on the security briefing to give locals more time as we monitor the situation. In three months, if conditions improve, we might consider lifting the orders,” he stated.

The review will extend operating hours under the Kakuma-Kalobeyei curfew, imposed in March 2025, and the Kainuk-Maliza Uhalifu directive of February 2023, adjusting restrictions to 10 p.m. - 4 a.m.

The curfews were initially introduced to restore peace in volatile areas, including Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei settlement, but have drawn complaints from residents and businesses along the Kainuk-Lodwar road.

Murkomen was accompanied by DIG-APS Gilbert Masengeli, Turkana County governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, MPs Cecilia Ngitit (County MP), Protus Akuja (Loima), Joseph Emathe (Turkana Central), Nicholas Ngikor (Turkana East), among other leaders.