Secure residential areas

A spate of burglaries at a heavily guarded high-end coastal residential area speaks volumes about the need to boost security. What has been happening at the posh Vipingo Ridge homes in Kilifi County is a glaring confirmation that the police and other security agencies are sleeping on the job.

While private security arrangements are vital, they should merely supplement the efforts of the National Police Service and other security agencies. These public security agencies are paid for by the taxpayers and should cover everybody. Providing security to all is the core business of the police, whose mandate is to protect lives and property.

There is already runaway insecurity in the informal settlements in Nairobi and other towns and even in the rural areas. However, what is happening at Vipingo is a manifestation of the dereliction of duty by the key security agencies.

It is, however, encouraging to note that police are investigating the burglaries that have occurred in the exclusive Vipingo Ridge Estate. This heavily guarded neighbourhood has the holiday homes of some influential corporate honchos and some top politicians.

If this gated-community that boasts luxury facilities, including a golf course, wildlife sanctuary and a private beach club, cannot be secured, then what of the poorer areas teeming with people? This is the surest way to scare off other potential investors, who would have brought in resources to create jobs and boost the economy.

Homes have been broken into and goods, including TV sets, easily carted away. This is a scenic residential area with stunning ocean views, patronised by wealthy Kenyans and some foreigners. It has a high perimeter wall mounted with CCTV cameras and an airstrip allowing the top personalities to jet in and out.

The safety of the residents of this upmarket estate in this coastal resort area and the security of other Kenyans and visitors across the country must be enhanced.