Security tightened nationwide, government rolls out six-point plan for festive season

Mid last week, the government announced security measures being undertaken across the country as Kenyans head into the festive season.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration on Wednesday, December 17, the government said the overall security situation remains calm and stable, but warned that past trends show the holiday period often comes with isolated spikes in crime, traffic violations and other opportunistic offences.

To mitigate these risks, they have activated a coordinated six-point security strategy aimed at safeguarding lives and property, as well as ensuring a peaceful holiday for citizens and international visitors.

Central to the plan is the activation of the National Multi-Agency Command Centre (NMACC), which will oversee surveillance, intelligence sharing and rapid response operations before, during and after the festive season.

Press Release: Festive Season Security Measures pic.twitter.com/G0seOr0rlw

- Ministry of Interior | Kenya (@InteriorKE) December 17, 2025

The centre brings together officers from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, National Intelligence Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forestry Service, National Youth Service and the National Government Administration.

Similar coordination hubs have also been established at regional and county levels to strengthen command and control.

Security presence has been significantly boosted nationwide, with officers deployed to key entry and exit points such as airports and border crossings, as well as high-traffic areas including hotels, shopping malls, public beaches, tourist sites, central business districts, places of worship and entertainment venues.

Officers previously on leave have already been recalled, with support provided by specialised police units and logistical and air support from the Ministry of Defence where necessary.

On the roads, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), working alongside the Traffic Police Department, launched a nationwide traffic operation to improve road safety and ease congestion on major highways and urban roads.

The operation included the deployment of Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) officers to deter corruption, enhanced inter-agency coordination and increased visibility in high-risk corridors. Mobile courts will also be used where required to reinforce compliance.

At the county level, Regional and County Security Committees have intensified counter-terrorism preparedness and are actively implementing Preventing and
Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) action plans, with particular focus on protecting critical infrastructure and large public gatherings.

They also announced a nationwide crackdown on illicit brews and drugs, led by NACADA in collaboration with non-governmental organisations and the police.

The operation targets the production, sale and consumption of dangerous substances, which authorities say pose a major threat to public safety.
Additionally, security agencies have escalated operations against organised criminal gangs across Nairobi, the Coast, Western, Nyanza, Central and Eastern regions.

Targeted enforcement will also address cultural and social crimes, including female genital mutilation, defilement, early pregnancies, forced marriages, domestic violence and religious extremism.