Security response expected to improve as county launches SMS reporting system

Nakuru County’s security committee has launched a community based crime monitoring and reporting system expected to improve security responses.

‘Mulika Uhalifu’, will enable members of the public to report crime cases through text messages.

County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha said the system will help the county security team to co-ordinate operations in the county and to respond to emergencies.

“The security agencies are on high alert to ensure all visitors during Christmas are safe. That is why we have piloted this project today where the public can report crime from anywhere via text messages,” he said on Wednesday as he unveiled the new system.

A text message sent through code 22068 will reach over 50 recipients who include the security personnel in all the 11 sub-counties who will then be expected to act on it in a coordinated manner.

To send a text, you are required to begin with the county name then proceed to give the information. The text will cost a shilling.

Nakuru, Nandi, and Uasin Gishu counties are the pioneer counties for the new system.

Members of the public have been assured that their numbers will be concealed when their texts are forwarded for action. The online portal is also available for complete anonymity where one can key in information and omit their contact details.

The Product Developer and Founder of Mulika Initiative Grace Wanjohi said she developed the system for three years with the help of security agencies.

“The authenticity of the information sent will be verified by the security agencies to ensure its correct,” she said.

Ms Wanjohi said the initiative is funded by the Business Integrity Africa (BIA) which came up with the idea.

Members will be able to text the security information either as victims or witnesses to crimes.

Once the message is received in the system, it will be forwarded immediately to five security bosses in the sender’s county namely the County Commissioner, the Police Commander, the Administration Police Commandant, County CID director and National Intelligence Service.

“It will further be forwarded within five seconds, to the Deputy County Commissioners, the Officer Commanding Police station and all their teams comprising of about 30 heads per county,” explained Ms Wanjohi.

The follow up will be headed by the County Security Committee, chaired by the County Commissioners.

According to the County Commissioner, this will bring about accountability, transparency and enhance teamwork among the multiple security agencies and ensure that issues raised by the community are attended to swiftly and efficiently.