Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said that poor road access and communication blackouts are hampering security operations in the Kerio Valley and northern Kenya, allowing criminals to strike with ease and escape capture.

Addressing a security forum in Samburu County under the ongoing ‘Jukwaa la Usalama’ programme, the CS said poor infrastructure is now a serious security threat, especially in violence-prone counties such as Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo and Samburu.

He pointed out that unfinished security roads and weak mobile network coverage have made it difficult for law enforcement to respond quickly or patrol remote areas.

“Criminals ambush private and police vehicles along the highway. These roads are inaccessible for security operations and are therefore a safe haven for criminals. We hope to get more funds to extend to North Horr to open the security roads in the disturbed corridor,” Murkomen said.

He added that forests and conservancies like Mukogodo have become hideouts for highway robbers, bandits, and cattle rustlers who continue to terrorise communities.

Murkomen revealed that plans are underway to fix key security roads, including the Maralal-Baragoi stretch.

“We will be meeting our Ministry of Roads colleagues to deliberate on the issue of security roads. We have now tendered for the Maralal-Baragoi road, which once awarded, we expect the contractor to work on its rehabilitation ahead of construction,” he said, adding that the designs had already been completed before he left the Roads ministry.

The CS also noted that the Ministry of Interior is in talks with telecommunications companies to improve mobile network coverage in the affected areas to enhance coordination during operations.

He raised concern over the ease with which illegal arms continue to find their way into the region, complicating government disarmament efforts. He said the porous borders, combined with the lack of road access, have allowed a steady flow of weapons.

“The consistent supply of weapons has, however, made it difficult to completely eradicate the vice. The formed-up units are working on disrupting the chain of the supply of ammunition,” Murkomen stated.

While praising the role of the multi-agency security team, including the Kenya Defence Forces, he said more support is needed to ensure peace is fully restored and sustained.

He vowed that the government would not relent in pursuing those financing or supplying weapons to criminals.