Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Sunday arrived in Mandera County to preside over the 44th edition of the Jukwaa la Usalama grassroots engagement forum.
He was warmly received by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja alongside senior security and administration officials at the Mandera County Commissioner’s office.
The Jukwaa la Usalama forum is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Interior designed to foster dialogue between citizens, security agencies, and local leaders.
It provides a platform for communities to raise concerns, share security-related experiences, and propose solutions in collaboration with law enforcement authorities.
During his arrival, CS Murkomen underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening community-centered policing in Kenya’s border counties, which continue to face unique security challenges including terrorism, cross-border crime, and resource-based conflicts.
“The government is determined to ensure every Kenyan feels safe and included in shaping the country’s security framework,” he said.
The Mandera engagement marks the 44th forum since the programme was launched, signaling its growing role in bridging the gap between citizens and security officers.
Officials said the Mandera edition will focus on enhancing coordination in intelligence sharing, countering violent extremism, and addressing cross-border security threats that directly impact local livelihoods.
Inspector General Douglas Kanja lauded the collaborative approach, noting that Jukwaa la Usalama has already improved trust and information flow between citizens and security agencies in other counties.
“Communities are our most important partners in keeping Kenya safe. This dialogue helps us work better together,” he said.
Local leaders and residents have expressed optimism that the forum will not only address immediate security concerns but also provide sustainable solutions tailored to Mandera’s context.
Murkomen’s visit is expected to include closed-door consultations with county administrators, security chiefs, and community representatives before the public engagement sessions begin.
The Interior Ministry has indicated that more forums will be rolled out nationwide, with a special focus on frontier regions where security and development are closely intertwined.
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