Security operations against banditry in Kenya’s North Rift and neighbouring counties have been intensified. On 27 March 2026, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that additional areas in Laikipia, Meru, Samburu and Isiolo counties have been officially declared security-disturbed and dangerous zones through a Gazette Notice.
The declaration is intended to enable more decisive operations aimed at mopping up illegal firearms, disarming criminal elements and dismantling their networks.
The move follows a similar declaration on 26 March, when parts of Laikipia, Meru and Isiolo counties were designated as disturbed areas following recent criminal incidents. That step came shortly after the deployment of an additional 400 police officers to the region. The government has pledged to sustain and intensify these operations until banditry is completely eradicated.
Earlier, on 23 March, CS Murkomen convened a high-level security meeting at the Mbataru Rapid Deployment Unit Camp in Meru County to address a surge in cattle rustling in the Northern Grazing Zone. He noted that criminal gangs are shifting their activities to previously peaceful areas after successful security operations in Elgeyo-Marakwet, Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana and Isiolo counties.
Among the additional measures being implemented are accelerated livestock recovery efforts and the reorganization of National Police Reservists (NPRs) to strengthen local security capabilities.
