Launched in February 2023, Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift is a government security initiative that targeted escalating banditry, cattle rustling, and violence in nine counties: Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Meru.
Hot spot areas in these counties were designated as “Disturbed” and “Dangerous,” in the operation that brought together the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in a coordinated effort to restore peace and stability in the region.
The security situation in the North Rift has significantly improved and this is attributed to the efforts of this multi-agency approach. Security officers on the ground have effectively disarmed hundreds of bandits, dismantled their hideouts in the rugged terrain, and restored stability to affected communities.
The operation has led to a 62% reduction in number of cattle rustling occurrences, with cases dropping from 63,054 stolen livestock to 23,668—a decline of 39,386 heads of cattle.
Notably, 172 illegal firearms were collected during mopup exercises and 10,173 livestock have been recovered. During the same period, 250 suspects, including 14 political leaders, were arrested and prosecuted.
To strengthen local security, the Government has restructured the management and command of the National Police Reservists.
In 2023, a total of 1,702 reservists were recruited and trained in Baringo, Samburu, Laikipia, Meru, Turkana, and West Pokot. At least 400 reservists in Elgeyo Marakwet and in Isiolo, were rearmed to supplement the ongoing security operations in the area.
To enhance governance and improve service delivery, the Government gazetted 126 new administrative units across Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Meru, and Laikipia Counties.
This initiative is aimed at strengthening local administration, improving resource allocation, and enabling a more effective response to security challenges.
Uninterrupted learning was experienced this year with candidates sitting for their KPSEA and KCSE exams without any security challenges. A budget of Ksh.100 million was allocated to rehabilitate 34 out of 39 schools closed due to banditryrelated violence and displacement. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has played a crucial role in this reconstruction effort and to date, 26 schools have reopened and at least 4,000 children went back to school marking a significant step towards recovery.
Renovations have been completed or are underway in 21 schools, with Baringo County being the most affected.No schools were closed in Elgeyo Marakwet County and all previously closed schools in Laikipia and Samburu are now operational.
“While we celebrate the progress made, 13 schools remain closed and pupils relocated to other schools, primarily in Baringo, West Pokot, and Turkana Counties. We recognize that the journey to lasting peace is ongoing and as we move forward with Operation Maliza Uhalifu, we will continue to build on these gains for a safe North Rift and secure Kenya,” the Ministry of Interior says.
