Mandera County has embarked on a route to devise innovative ways to deal with insecurity and violent radicalisation.
Governor Mohamed Kalif said the move comes following a spat of insecurity incidences that have been on the rise for the past three months.
According to him, the reinforcement through selection and vetting of National Police Reservists and enhancement of community and national government collaboration are some of the ways to be adopted.
Kalif said this collaboration will not only promote information and intelligence sharing but play a key role in dealing with issues to do with inter-clan clashes, radicalization and violent extremism.
"These challenges have left our economy crippled. We have, therefore, realised our common aspirations and prosperity lies on the immediate, firm and resolute action against all these threats," Said Kalif.
The county boss said of concern is how the al-Shabaab militia have adopted unconventional means to disrupt day-to-day activities in the county.
"We have agreed to properly equip all the existing operation units for them to cope with the ever-changing dynamic and tactics employed by the enemy," said Kalif
County Commissioner Amos Mariba in his sentiments said the recent rains that pounced in the region contributed to an increase in insecurity incidences.
Mariba said the militia group take advantage of the mushrooming bushes to launch their attacks within villages.
Government vows to work with locals to solve Mandera insecurity menace
"We have seen an increase in the recent insecurities after the rains came in because water is available everywhere and the Alshabab have used the pasture and bushes as a hideout to avoid the sight of the security personnel and commit their crimes." Said Mariba
The recent attacks have seen several security personnel lose their lives. The latest attack on June 13 at Bodhei left at least eight security officers dead after their vehicle ran over a landmine.
A week before, another land rover ferrying police officers from Alungu to Elwak in Mandera county was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that had been planted on the route. One police officer died and six others were injured in the incident.
On June 2, two police officers who were conducting patrols on the Elele-Takaba road were killed and five others injured after they were hit by a rocket-propelled grenade fired by the militants
Earlier this week, a bus travelling from Nairobi to Mandera was shot at by gunmen suspected to be Al Shabaab members who were searching for those believed to be non-locals.
