Senate Security Committee Moves to Address Rising Insecurity Across Kenya
The Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations has announced a renewed push to tackle the escalating insecurity witnessed in several regions of the country. Meeting at Parliament Buildings on Thursday, 6 March 2025, the committee—chaired by Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo—resolved to summon key ministries for urgent consultations following fresh attacks in Turkana and reports of increased tension along the Kenya–Ethiopia border. Members emphasized that the security situation had reached a level that required immediate and coordinated government action.
During the session, senators examined recent incidents that have left communities in Turkana County particularly vulnerable, with lawmakers citing deadly raids and border clashes as evidence of a deteriorating security environment. The committee noted that tensions at the Kenya–Ethiopia frontier have continued to claim lives, disrupting trade and straining relations among cross-border communities. Senator Dullo confirmed that the committee will hold a joint briefing with the Cabinet Secretaries for Interior and National Administration, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and Defence to obtain a comprehensive update on current operations and the government’s response plan.
The committee also outlined plans to conduct on-ground assessment visits to counties experiencing persistent insecurity, including Turkana, Kisii, Isiolo, Kajiado, Migori and Kisumu. Members stressed that seeing the situation firsthand would help them better understand the challenges faced by residents and guide more targeted recommendations. In addition to border clashes and banditry, senators raised concerns over attacks on police officers, noting that inadequate support for injured officers often leaves families struggling.
As part of efforts to address this gap, the committee agreed to convene a separate meeting with insurance firms and key government bodies to review the status of compensation for officers injured in the line of duty. Agencies expected to participate include the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), Social Health Authority (SHA), the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), the Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety (DOSHS) and major insurance companies such as Jubilee Allianz, CIC, APA, Britam, UAP and GA Insurance. Senators Tom Ojienda, Lelegwe Ltumbesi and Joseph Githuku, who attended the meeting, expressed confidence that the engagements would provide a clearer roadmap for restoring security and improving welfare systems for frontline officers.