Strengthening security with the community

Just two years after the launch of Nyumba Kumi in 2013 – a community policing initiative – crime rate across the nation dropped significantly. Championed by the then-Chairman of the National Committee on Implementation of Citizen Participation in Security (Nyumba Kumi) Joseph Kaguthi, the programme encouraged collaboration between the police and the community to boost the safety.

While traditional policing is usually reactive, where officers respond to criminal activities after commission of crime, community policing embraces a proactive policy. Police and the community identify potential threats to safety and security way before they spiral into big security challenges. This ensures that security agencies remain vigilant to prevent crime by tackling the causes, rather than the symptoms.

Terrorism

Policing methods that delivered in the past may not necessarily work in this age of terrorism, kidnappings and violent robbery. When Sir Robert Peel, the father of modern policing, founded the London Metropolitan Police in 1829, he planted the seed of community policing when he observed that “the police are the public and the public are the police”. Needless to say, this is what drives initiatives such as Nyumba Kumi in the war on crime.

Although in some neighbourhoods in urban centres and the big cities of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret, it remains a huge challenge to bring down barricades of apathy and mistrust between the police and the community, partnerships can still be built. Trust is the principle that holds community partnerships.

The national, regional, and global security landscape has evolved significantly over the years, demanding more than just action from security agencies. Public involvement is increasingly vital to safeguarding nations, and Kenya, like many other countries, faces various security threats that require collective effort to address.

Our security forces have foiled most of these threats, but a more integrated approach involving communities is critical for long-term security and tranquillity. The changing obtaining environment brings complex, interconnected challenges that require comprehensive responses to conflicts and crises. Communities, especially those living along national borders, can be critical in enhancing security. They often have the first contact with individuals crossing into the country and can identify potential risks early on.

Lately, the Nyumba Kumi initiative has been successful, with many communities forming social media groups to discuss security concerns. In some cases, residents have willingly included security officers in these forums to address issues. However, in many estates, particularly in the big cities, participation has been hindered by privacy concerns and a reluctance among elites to engage with their neighbours.

The public plays an indispensable role in national security. As Kaguthi once said, “Security starts with you”. County governments to religious leaders must actively promote community policing and leverage technology to enhance security and national unity. In many cases, the public has been instrumental in volunteering critical information that has led to the arrest of criminals.

Terrorists do not operate in isolation; they live among us. Bandits are not aliens, they live among us. Petty thieves live with us in our villages and estates. Rapists could be our neighbours, our uncles, our village mates. Community members are often the first to notice unusual behaviour or unfamiliar faces, and reporting these observations to local authorities, including Chiefs, Village elders, or Police, can be the first step in preventing an attack.

Intelligence networks

Once this information is shared, quick collaboration among security agencies is essential. Close coordination among our security agencies and other relevant bodies is not only important but necessary. Multiple sources of intelligence need to converge to thwart threats, as the saying goes, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil.” The multi-agency approach to responding to these threats will boost citizens’ morale to self-police.

Even in highly organised democratic nations with advanced technology and robust security systems, public input remains crucial in addressing emerging security threats. While sophisticated machinery, intelligence networks, and trained personnel are fundamental, the unique insights and vigilance of citizens often provide critical support that cannot be replicated by technology and high-tech capabilities alone.

For example, as highlighted in a document by the US Department of Homeland Security Strategic Framework For Countering Terrorism And Targeted Violence, agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the US often rely on public reports to bridge intelligence gaps. Campaigns such as “If You See Something, Say Something” encourage citizens to report suspicious activity, resulting in numerous interventions that have prevented incidents from escalating or even crystallizing.

This public engagement model is also evident in other democracies, such as France, where authorities frequently call on citizens to report potential threats, particularly after high-profile incidents. These citizen reports have proven essential to France’s counter-terrorism efforts, often identifying risks that security personnel or technology might potentially miss.

As Kenya confronts evolving security threats, fostering a culture of vigilance and collaboration at all levels of society will strengthen national security and safety. The Nyumba Kumi initiative, while not without its challenges, holds the potential to bridge the gap between citizens and security agencies. With a united front, Kenya can effectively counter emerging threats and secure a peaceful future for its people.

Village elders, religious leaders, teachers, businessmen and all who share a dream for the welfare of the community should be on the front line in protecting that welfare.

Dr Mariru is the PS, Defence, and an advocate for sustainable development