Wajir residents hail new dawn of security and equal access to IDs

The KNBS report, which tracks crime statistics across all 47 counties, placed Wajir ahead of traditionally stable regions such as Nyeri and Kericho — underscoring the depth of change in the county.

What was once a place where life stopped after sunset is now being described by locals as one of the safest counties in Kenya.

“I have lived in Wajir for more than 25 years, and I can tell you security has changed for the better. These days, you can watch a Champions League match at a café and walk home safely at midnight. Before, being outside after 6pm was a risk,” said resident Noordin Hussein.

The improved security has also transformed business life.

Ladan Mohammed, a khat trader at Wajir Market, recalls a time when harassment and killings were common.

Secure environment

“Previously, we had no peace. Our people were being killed indiscriminately, and even getting IDs was a struggle. But these past five years, God has blessed us with peace. Today, we can do our business without fear, we can walk freely, and our lives have changed,” she says.

Her story mirrors that of many small-scale entrepreneurs who now operate in a more predictable and secure environment. Residents attribute the turnaround to reduced attacks, visible patrols, and closer collaboration between communities and security agencies.

Wajir, located at the heart of the North Eastern region and bordering Ethiopia and Somalia, has long been at the centre of Kenya’s security challenges. Terrorist attacks, banditry and inter-clan clashes once undermined stability and disrupted livelihoods. Porous borders further worsened the situation, enabling the flow of illegal arms, undocumented immigrants, and smuggling — all of which fuelled violence and tension.

Officials credit the current calm to multi-agency security operations that have curbed terrorism, quelled clan conflicts, and dismantled cross-border crime.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Wajir last week, praised the strong cooperation between communities and security teams.

“Wajir County, with its two international borders and vast livestock potential, is key to regional trade and stability. The region is largely calm with no major incidents, but we remain alert to challenges such as human trafficking, gun smuggling, and drug trafficking. Ongoing operations will be extended to Moyale to dismantle these criminal networks,” said Mr Murkomen.

In addition to tightening border security, the government is investing on modern tools such as leased patrol vehicles and surveillance technology. These measures, combined with improved intelligence sharing, have boosted both trust and results.

Safety

The changes are visible across Wajir town and beyond. Business hours have lengthened, traders are earning more, and social life has flourished. Residents now stay out late to watch football matches or attend gatherings without fear.

For Mr Hussein, this has restored a sense of normalcy.

“Wajir’s security is now in good shape. As a resident, I can confidently say it’s the safest county today,” he says.

Ms Mohammed agrees, noting that the change is about more than safety.

“In the past, even getting an ID card was a real struggle. Now, services are faster, and we can go about our lives without harassment. That peace of mind is priceless.”

The Jukwaa la Usalama forum also highlighted reforms in civil registration. At the Wajir Huduma Centre, Mr Murkomen reviewed ID and birth certificate registration, noting significant progress following the abolition of the discriminatory vetting process for border counties.

“I am gratified to note that since we abolished the discriminatory extra vetting, many residents of adult age who didn’t have IDs now have the crucial document. While only 11,000 residents acquired IDs last year, more than 27,000 have already been issued this year,” the CS said.

The government has rolled out Live Capture Unit technology across all sub-counties, abolished fees for first-time ID applicants and scrapped authentication charges for birth certificates used in passport applications. Currently, five of Wajir’s six constituencies have functional registries, with the sixth set to be operational by year-end.

Still, officials caution that emerging threats such as drug abuse and human trafficking must be addressed decisively. Plans are underway to open a National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) office in Wajir to intensify the fight against substance abuse among youth, complementing broader security efforts.

Nacada Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said the new station will be opened within 30 days, noting that while Wajir ranks second nationally in curbing illicit alcohol, the county remains a key transit point for bhang, pharmaceutical drugs, and other narcotics.

“Some of the opioids being abused here include oxycodone, codeine and antidepressants such as Xanax and Valium. We have already arrested traffickers in Thika who confirmed that Wajir was among their key destinations,” Dr Omerikwa said.

He further raised alarm over miraa chewing, warning that it is linked to rising mental health cases and cancers of the jaw and tongue.

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