Use local networks to fight insecurity

The most recent directive by the President to the security chiefs in the country to develop and share their strategy on security matters reignites debate on the issue of reforms in the sector.

What is the score card on security sector reforms, what are the lessons learnt and raises the question “have the reforms lost steam?”

Critical things that must be prioritised include the formation of County Policing Authorities that require the involvement of governors and county government in the provision of security, involvement of clan elders and the Kenya Police Reserves (KPRs) in crime prevention and intelligence gathering and, more importantly, the need for culture change and socialisation within the sector.

The directive comes as the country continues facing new emerging challenges in the security domain while at the same time battling old problems including improving welfare and working conditions in the services.

TERRORISM

The security forces have been dealing with terrorism, violent extremism, and increased insurgency in Turkana, Isiolo and other areas with mixed results.

Commendably, and with revamped national strategies on terrorism and violent extremism, developed jointly with county governments that were prone to such attacks, the security sector has managed to reduce these attacks.

The re-energised Nyumba Kumi initiative and related community policing approach, acquisition of latest equipment including helicopters among other things have enhanced the country’s security.

Places like Mandera Town, which used to record nearly nine terror attacks in a month, has now gone for over two years without an attack.

Lamu, Garissa and Mombasa have similarly recorded low level incidents.

The same is not happening in Turkana, Baringo and Isiolo counties and other areas outside the mentioned towns.

COMMUNITY POLICING

Article 244 of the Constitution sets out the standards by which the reformed National Police Service should work.

The Justice Waki report recommended a complete audit of the current police management, its structures, policies, practices and procedures and an examination of the structures, including the senior executive; thorough examination, review and revision of all tactics, weapons and ‘use of force’ employed by the police as well as a complete revision of the Police Act and application of a National Security Policy.

I would recommend the Government relooks the use of local community’s leadership especially clan elders and the Kenya Police Reservists in intelligence gathering, information sharing with security agencies and solving resource related conflicts in those areas.

POLICE RESERVISTS

The security teams in Mandera County seem to be using this approach with impressive results.

We just need to see how to incorporate these two groups without necessarily arming them.

The KPR was created as a supplementary force under the old Police Act and assist in the maintenance of law and order, preservation of peace, protection of life and property, prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders and the enforcement of all laws and regulations which the Police Service is charged with.

Victor works at the Media Council of Kenya. The views expressed here are personal