Marsabit, Kenya – The Kenyan government has reinstated 20 National Police Reservists (NPR) in Saku Constituency, Marsabit County, as part of efforts to sustain peace and tranquility in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the decision follows a move to streamline the service. Dr. Omollo also announced the processing of newly created administrative units and vacant national administrative posts in the country.
Dr. Omollo emphasized the importance of the county security team, led by County Commissioner Nobert Komora, in executing these orders promptly. He urged administrative officers to serve the public with humility and fairness to facilitate the implementation of government policies. The recruitment and deployment of NPR are ongoing, as promised by Interior CS Kithure Kindiki earlier this year.
In a significant environmental initiative, Dr. Omollo led the planting of 10,000 trees at Mt. Marsabit forest’s Hulahula beat. This effort aligns with President Ruto’s campaign to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, aiming for a 30 percent forest cover to combat climate change. The Principal Secretary highlighted the need for sustained tree planting and nurturing, especially in light of frequent droughts in regions like Marsabit.
Governor Mohamed Ali of Marsabit called for continued peaceful coexistence among communities, emphasizing that unity is crucial for development. He acknowledged the threat of climate change, noting its severe impact on the local pastoralist community’s livelihood. Governor Ali announced an award-winning initiative for tree planting and protection, setting a target of two billion trees by 2032, with each of the 20 wards in Marsabit tasked with raising and growing 10,000 trees annually.
Additionally, Governor Ali supported the reinstatement of NPR to strengthen law enforcement and tackle issues such as livestock theft. He also advocated for the reduction of police barriers on the Moyale-Marsabit-Isiolo highway, echoing concerns raised by local leaders about the negative impact of excessive checkpoints on travel and the potential for corruption.
The tree planting exercise was a collaborative effort involving stakeholders such as the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Water Tower Authority, the Ministry of Forestry and Environment, and the Marsabit County government.