The Government has declared several areas in Laikipia, Meru and Isiolo counties as security-disturbed and dangerous, paving the way for a major security operation targeting banditry and organised criminal activity.
In a special issue of The Kenya Gazette dated March 26, 2026, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen invoked Section 106(1) of the National Police Service Act to formalise the declaration, following consultations with the National Security Council.
The directive covers parts of Laikipia North, Tigania East and Igembe North in Meru County, as well as Isiolo North Sub-county.
Among the affected areas are Mugogodo Forest in Laikipia, Nyambene Game Reserve in Meru, and Sarova Game Reserve and Lowarengishu Hills in Isiolo.
According to the gazette notice, the declaration took effect on March 26 at 6:00 p.m. and will remain in force for an initial period of 30 days, subject to review or extension depending on the security situation.
Announcing the move, Murkomen said the designation is intended to facilitate intensified operations against criminal elements.
“We have declared parts of Laikipia, Meru, and Isiolo counties security-disturbed and dangerous to facilitate a major security operation to weed out perpetrators of recent incidents of criminal activities in the areas,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary added that the operation will include a comprehensive crackdown on illegal firearms, which have been blamed for escalating insecurity in the region.
“This operation, which also involves a mop-up of illegal firearms, follows our earlier deployment of 400 additional police officers to reinforce the officers on the ground, among other measures,” Murkomen stated.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability, particularly in areas that have experienced recurrent banditry attacks and inter-community conflicts.
“We shall intensify our efforts until banditry is completely eradicated in these areas and criminal networks dismantled,” he said.
The declaration grants security agencies expanded powers to conduct operations in the designated zones, including enhanced surveillance and enforcement measures aimed at restoring law and order.
Authorities say the move is part of a broader national strategy to tackle banditry, protect livelihoods, and secure communities in Kenya’s most affected regions.