Interior PS Raymond Omollo /HANDOUT
The Government has assured Kenyans that adequate measures have been put in
place to prevent and respond to any potential Ebola threat at the country’s border
entry points, as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and national
security.
Speaking during an inspection of the Taveta-Holili One Stop Border Post, the
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond
Omollo, said the Government is working closely with county governments, health
authorities and border management agencies to strengthen surveillance, screening
and emergency response systems.
PS Omollo noted that Kenya continues to monitor developments in the region and
has heightened preparedness measures at all points of entry and exit to ensure
that any potential threat is detected and managed promptly.
“What we have done as a nation, working with all our officers at our points
of entry and exit, is to ensure that we are adequately prepared to handle
and deal with any case should it arise. Working together with the Ministry
of Health, we have put in place isolation facilities and response mechanisms
to protect our citizens,” he said.
The Principal Secretary explained that border officials continue to conduct
screening and monitoring of travellers while working closely with public health
teams to facilitate rapid detection and response.
He added that isolation facilities
have been established and emergency response protocols activated in
collaboration with the Ministry of Health and county governments.
PS Omollo further assured residents that the Government will continue to provide
public awareness, regular updates and health advisories while maintaining
vigilance along border areas.
While at the border post, the Principal Secretary received a briefing from security
and border management agencies on emerging challenges affecting the Kenya-Tanzania border.
Among the issues highlighted were the smuggling of ethanol,
entry of counterfeit products and other forms of illegal cross-border trade.
PS Omollo directed agencies operating at the border to strengthen surveillance,
enhance inter-agency coordination and ensure strict enforcement of laws
governing trade and movement across the border.
He emphasised the need for
continuous capacity building of officers working at border points to strengthen
their ability to address emerging security, health and economic threats.
The Principal Secretary later met National Government Administrative Officers
(NGAOs), where he commended them for their role in maintaining security,
coordinating Government programmes and serving as the link between
Government and citizens at the grassroots level.
He said the Government remains committed to strengthening the administrative
cadre through enhanced training, facilitation and operational support. Discussions
during the engagement focused on mobility, staffing and measures aimed at
improving service delivery by administrators across the country.
PS Omollo noted that President William Ruto places great importance on the work
undertaken by Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs and other NGAO officers and remains
committed to ensuring they are adequately equipped and supported to carry out
their responsibilities.
The Principal Secretary also met village elders from Taveta Constituency and called
on them to continue supporting Government programmes on security, healthcare,
education and community development.
Education featured prominently throughout the visit, with PS Omollo attending
activities at Lesesia School and later presiding over a Prize Giving Day ceremony
at Sowene Secondary School.
The Principal Secretary said education remains one of the most important
investments any country can make, describing it as a tool that creates opportunity
and empowers young people to contribute to national development.
He noted that
the Government continues to invest heavily in the education sector through
classroom construction, teacher recruitment and expansion of learning
infrastructure across the country.
“Government will continue building classrooms, recruiting teachers and
investing in education, but parents also have a responsibility to monitor their
children’s progress, engage with teachers and support discipline and
character development,” he said.
He further urged learners to remain disciplined, respect their teachers and parents
and make full use of the opportunities available to them through education.
The
Principal Secretary also called for the protection of school facilities, noting that
incidents of arson and destruction of property undermine learning and divert
resources that would otherwise be used to improve educational outcomes.
On land matters, PS Omollo called for peaceful and lawful resolution of disputes,
urging residents to respect both private and public property while supporting
ongoing efforts to address historical land concerns.
He noted that Government
institutions at both national and county levels continue to work together to find
solutions to longstanding land challenges affecting communities in the region.
The visit also included inspections of the Affordable Housing Project in Taveta and
other ongoing Government development initiatives. PS Omollo noted that
continued investments in roads, markets, irrigation, healthcare, housing and
education are aimed at improving livelihoods and creating opportunities for
residents.
He concluded the visit by calling for continued collaboration between Government
agencies, local leaders and communities in promoting public safety, supporting
education and advancing development.
The Principal Secretary was accompanied by Taveta Member of Parliament Hon.
John Bwire, Mogotio Member of Parliament Hon. Reuben Kiborek, senior
Government officials, security officers and local leaders.
