PS Omollo urges multi-agency security coordination

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has underscored the importance of multi-agency coordination among security agencies, saying it remains critical in maintaining national safety amid evolving security threats.

He said the country’s security apparatus remained on high alert during the December–January period, a time traditionally marked by heightened movement, festivities and increased security risks.

Omollo spoke during the monthly Principal Secretaries’ meeting chaired by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.

He said security agencies recorded notable successes during the period, including disruption of terror plots, intensified operations against banditry and swift responses to emergency incidents, particularly road traffic accidents.

Omollo said these efforts are the result of close collaboration between different security agencies working under a coordinated national framework.

The PS said security agencies continue to act firmly and decisively in response to evolving risks across the country, stressing that emerging threats require constant vigilance and information sharing among institutions.

He said the government is now paying close attention to emerging cases of school unrest reported in several counties, including Kericho, Nandi, Nakuru, Kitui, Tharaka Nithi, Kakamega, Narok, Kisii, Nyeri, Nyamira, Kajiado, Migori, Kirinyaga, Trans Nzoia and Nairobi.

Emerging school unrest in Kenya, characterised by incidents of arson, vandalism and student walkouts, escalated throughout 2025 and into early 2026, forcing the closure of multiple learning institutions.

Education and security officials have expressed concern over the trend, which has disrupted learning and raised questions about student welfare and school management.

According to government assessments, the unrest has been driven by a combination of factors, including high academic pressure, strict disciplinary regimes and poor communication between students and school administrations.

Authorities have also noted that students are increasingly using social media platforms to coordinate protests and mobilise collective action.

Key grievances cited by students include exam-related stress, inadequate facilities and resentment towards what they perceive as rigid or unresponsive school leadership.

Security agencies, working alongside education officials, are now seeking to address the problem through preventive measures, early warning systems and engagement with school communities.

A statement from the Ministry of Interior said these issues formed part of the State of Security briefing for January 2026, which was presented to the monthly Principal Secretaries’ meeting.

The briefing provided an overview of national security trends and outlined priority areas requiring inter-agency intervention.

The monthly forum offers a vital platform for PSs to take stock of ongoing government programmes, address cross-cutting challenges and enhance collaboration across ministries and state agencies.

It also serves as a mechanism for aligning implementation efforts with national priorities.

The meeting plays a central role in ensuring coordinated delivery of government services while promoting accountability and efficiency across the public sector.

Principal secretaries, as the chief accounting and implementation officers in their respective ministries, are required to provide updates on progress made in executing presidential directives, Cabinet decisions and key development programmes.