Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary, Dr Raymond Omollo, has called on the Church to partner with Government in consolidating peace gains and strengthening community values, noting that security and stability are the foundation for development.
Speaking today during a service at Mogotio Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church, Dr Omollo said Government efforts to curb banditry and livestock theft in the Kerio Valley and the wider Rift Valley are bearing fruit, and urged residents, elders and faith leaders to help sustain the progress through peace messaging, responsible citizenship and cooperation with local security structures.
“Let us promote peace and responsible citizenship by working with our local administrators, Nyumba Kumi structures, village elders and security agencies,” Dr Omollo said, adding that the calm being witnessed across the region should be protected through sustained community vigilance and unity.
Dr Omollo warned criminals and individuals posing as business people who target young people through illicit drugs and other harmful products, stating that the Government will take decisive action against them and their networks.
“As a Ministry, we have marching orders from the President. We will not negotiate with unscrupulous individuals who seek to profit from destroying our children,” he said.
On service delivery, Dr Omollo noted that the Government is operationalising administrative units that were gazetted earlier but had not been fully implemented, as well as newly gazetted units cleared for operationalisation by the County Commissioner and the county security team.
He stated that Mogotio had three new locations and three sub-locations, while across Baringo County the Government would operationalise five divisions, more than 20 locations, and more than 40 sub-locations to ensure citizens access Government services closer to their homes.
“We are doing this so that wananchi can get services conveniently without walking long distances accessing the Chief, the Sub-Chief and other Government offices with ease,” he said.
The PS reiterated the President’s directive that no child should miss school due to lack of fees, uniform or shoes, and urged parents to take advantage of the extended reporting period announced by the Ministry of Education.
Dr Omollo commended the County Commissioner and the county education and security teams for efforts to ensure learners report to school, noting that as of this morning Baringo County’s transition rate stood at 71pc, against a target of 100pc.
“Within the next one week, let us follow up on the President’s directive and ensure every eligible learner reports to Senior School,” he urged, calling on MCAs, the area MP, local administrators and education officers to work together.
Dr Omollo said the Government was implementing targeted programmes to tackle youth unemployment and uplift livelihoods, citing the NYOTA Programme and related initiatives aimed at enterprise development.
He noted that under NYOTA, over 121,000 young people are set to benefit nationally, with 70 youth in every ward receiving a Ksh50,000 grant to expand existing businesses or start new ones.
The PS also underscored the importance of skills recognition and certification, stating that formal certification can significantly increase earning potential for artisans such as plumbers and mechanics, while opening opportunities for employment locally and abroad through the Government’s labour mobility programme.
Dr Omollo highlighted the Government’s Affordable Housing Programme, noting that it incorporated complementary developments such as markets and hostels, which create jobs and stimulate local economic activity.
He cited ongoing development projects in the Mogotio area, including affordable housing recently launched in the area, the Mogotio modern market, and other initiatives designed to expand access to services and employment.
The PS emphasized that development under the Kenya Kwanza Administration was being implemented across the country, citing similar projects in regions including North Eastern, Coast, Nyanza and Rift Valley.
Dr Omollo said the Government’s development agenda and peace efforts reflected a raised standard of leadership and urged leaders and aspiring leaders to focus on service, results and unity.
He called on the Church and community to remain united, protect children from social ills, embrace education and empowerment, and safeguard the peace gains achieved.
Mogotio Member of Parliament, Reuben Kiborek, was among the leaders present.
He urged residents, particularly the youth, to take advantage of ongoing Government services to acquire national identity cards and ensure they are duly registered as voters ahead of the upcoming elections.
The MP further encouraged eligible citizens to turn out and vote, emphasising that civic participation strengthens democracy and accountable leadership.
