The government is considering easing the long-standing curfew in Turkana County following an improvement in security conditions, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said.

Speaking during a media briefing in Lodwar on Wednesday, July 16, Murkomen said the decision followed a closed-door regional and county security meeting held during the Jukwaa la Usalama engagement forum in the county.

He explained that the government would revise the current curfew hours based on security briefings, with a view to easing restrictions if calm persists.

“I will be reviewing the curfew timing based on the security briefing to give locals more time as we monitor the situation. In three months, if the conditions become good, we might consider lifting the orders,” he said.

The current review targets the March 2025 Kakuma-Kalobeyei curfew and the February 2023 Kainuk-Maliza Uhalifu order. If implemented, the curfew hours will be extended to between 10 pm and 4 am.

The curfews and movement restrictions were introduced to address persistent insecurity, especially in Kakuma Refugee Camp, the Kalobeyei settlement, and the Kainuk-Lodwar road corridor. While they contributed to restoring order, they have also drawn criticism from residents and local traders who say their livelihoods have been disrupted.

Murkomen noted that the relative peace in Turkana South and East sub-counties was a positive sign that warranted a review. However, he emphasized that the situation would continue to be monitored closely before a final decision is made.

He also addressed other long-standing issues in the region, including the status of refugees under the Shirika plan, the ongoing reforms in the National Police Reservist programme, cases of banditry, boundary and border disputes, and human-wildlife conflict.

The Cabinet Secretary said Turkana County, given its size and complex terrain, faces a unique mix of security threats. He further pointed out that challenges such as drug and substance abuse, as well as mental health issues among young people, have worsened due to porous borders and weak enforcement.

The Jukwaa la Usalama forum brought together security officials, community leaders, and residents to discuss concerns around service delivery, refugee integration, and the overall state of safety in the region.