Ministry of Interior and National Administration has outlined the nation’s significant security gains and governance achievements while sounding an alert on emerging challenges during the upcoming festive season and beyond. Prime Cabinet Secretary abd Ag CS for Interior snd National Administration Dr. Musalia Mudavadi delivered a comprehensive briefing, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to citizen safety, efficient service delivery, and tackling complex national security concerns.
In a decisive year for national security, the Ministry reported a notable drop in general crime, including robberies, break-ins, and vehicle thefts. However, the government flagged an alarming uptick in vandalism targeting power infrastructure, with 114 incidents recorded, disrupting economic activities across the country.
Kenya’s fight against terrorism saw remarkable success. Between January 2022 and November 2024, 47 terror attacks were thwarted, improving Kenya’s Global Terrorism Index ranking to medium impact. Mr. Mudavadi applauded international partnerships and multi-agency collaborations, crediting them for the nation’s strengthened ability to neutralize threats and protect its citizens.
As millions prepare to travel during the festive season, the Ministry has ramped up road safety measures. Police patrols on major highways will intensify, traffic laws will be enforced with renewed rigor, and illegal vehicles ferrying passengers will face strict penalties.
“Every officer must actively engage in monitoring, reporting, and addressing non-compliance to reduce road accidents,” Mr. Mudavadi stressed. The warning comes amid an 11 percent rise in road injuries, though fatalities among drivers and motorcyclists have marginally declined.
In historically volatile counties like Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, and West Pokot, multi-agency operations have slashed cattle rustling cases by 62 percent. Authorities recovered 14,598 livestock, confiscated 240 illegal firearms, and arrested 250 suspects, including political figures suspected of perpetuating instability.
However, Mr. Mudavadi expressed grave concern over rising gender-based violence (GBV) and homicides. Between September 2023 and December 2024, over 7,100 GBV cases were reported, with Nairobi recording the highest numbers. Furthermore, 100 women were tragically murdered between August and November alone, prompting swift government action.
President William Ruto has established a Presidential Working Group on Homicides to deliver actionable proposals within 90 days. Additionally, a specialized Missing Persons Unit under the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) will focus on solving the rising cases of disappearances and homicides.
The government reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on corruption. In 2024 alone, 49 corruption cases worth Ksh 6 billion entered prosecution, yielding 15 convictions. Mr. Mudavadi underscored the government’s dedication to accountability and the rule of law.
Public service delivery also saw significant transformation. The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services cleared a backlog of over 600,000 passports, thanks to modernized printing systems. Notably, the launch of the Myesha digital ID ecosystem and migration of 22,000+ services onto the eCitizen platform further digitized Kenya’s governance systems, serving over 375,000 daily users.
Kenya’s visa-free policy resulted in the issuance of 1.4 million electronic travel authorizations, underscoring a streamlined process for travelers and job seekers.
Recent tragedies, such as the deadly gas explosion in Embakasi that claimed 13 lives, highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness. Mudavadi emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing early warning systems and enforcing environmental regulations to prevent future incidents.
Additionally, the newly-formed Mining Police Unit will target illegal mining activities in counties like Migori, Kakamega, and Kwale, safeguarding both the environment and artisanal communities.
The briefing paid tribute to Kenya’s security forces, recognizing their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation. This year alone, 55 officers lost their lives and over 830 were injured in the line of duty. Over the past six years, Kenya has mourned 383 fallen heroes—a stark reminder of the price of peace.
The Ori urged Kenyans to remain vigilant during the festive season, cooperate with law enforcement, and avoid falling prey to misinformation—especially on social media.
“As we close the year, I wish all Kenyans a peaceful, joyful, and safe festive season. Together, we can secure a better, more prosperous 2025,” Mudavadi declared with optimism.
The Ministry’s updates reflect a multi-faceted approach to Kenya’s security and governance challenges, combining hard-hitting strategies with citizen-focused reforms. As the nation steps into the new year, the government’s commitment to safety, service, and accountability remains firmly on course