Insecurity: Murkomen to meet Coastal security team and residents

By Newsflash Correspondent

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is set to visit the six counties of Kenya’s coastal region to address the rising cases of insecurity that have recently alarmed both locals and tourism stakeholders.

The week-long tour, dubbed “Jukwaa la Usalama County Tours,” will run from Monday, April 7 to Saturday, April 12, 2025. Murkomen is expected to hold high-level consultative meetings with regional and county security chiefs, National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), peace committees, and residents to find lasting solutions to the growing insecurity.

A communication seen by Newsflash indicated that the CS will also evaluate the state of disaster preparedness in response to climate change-induced weather events and interact with frontline officers dealing with both land and maritime threats.

“He will assess the security situation in the Coast region and engage with leaders, security personnel, and residents on strategies to improve peace, cohesion, and safety,” the statement read.

Murkomen’s itinerary also includes a spot check on the rollout of the Mobile ID Registration initiative, a key government service enhancement program.

Tourism sector raises alarm over security threats

Murkomen’s tour comes amid heightened concern from stakeholders in the tourism sector, who say insecurity in Mombasa and surrounding areas is threatening the recovery of the multi-billion-shilling industry. Tourism currently contributes 10 percent to Kenya’s GDP, underscoring the importance of safeguarding tourist destinations.

The Kenya Coast Tourism Association (KCTA) and the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC), both under the Kenya Tourism Federation, have called for swift action to contain rising cases of attacks targeting visitors.

KCTA Chairperson Victor Shitakha cited a recent incident in which a tourist from a cruise ship was attacked and robbed at the iconic Ivory Tusks monument on Moi Avenue, Mombasa. “The attack painted a bad picture of our hospitality sector,” he said. “As we head into Easter, we want to reassure our visitors that Mombasa and the wider coast remain safe, welcoming, and open for tourism.”

Shitakha noted a slight decline in tourist numbers since January, which he attributed to both the harsh economic climate and growing security concerns. “Some hotels are recording between 18–30 percent occupancy. We hope for a positive turnaround with continued marketing from the Kenya Tourism Board,” he added.

KAHC Executive Director Sam Ikwaye urged the government to step up security patrols and visibility to protect livelihoods and the country’s global reputation. “We don’t want to trigger tourism advisories. We acknowledge existing efforts, but more needs to be done, especially ahead of the Easter holidays,” he said.

Government responds: New measures at key tourist sites

Responding to the uproar, Mombasa County Commissioner Mahmoud Noor confirmed that a new permanent police booth will be established at the Ivory Tusks monument to ensure constant security presence. “Normally, we have officers deployed there. Unfortunately, there was a lapse on the day of the incident, but moving forward, there will be a visible and permanent presence,” he said.

Commissioner Noor dismissed the incident as isolated and clarified that the robbery was perpetrated by street boys, not armed gangs as reported. “Several suspects have been arrested, and the DCI is pursuing the rest. A statement was taken from the victim, and efforts are underway to recover the stolen phone,” he said.

The commissioner emphasized that Kenya’s cruise tourism remains vibrant, with over 6,500 passengers received this season alone. He was accompanied by acting Mombasa County Police Commander Maxwell Agoro.

With the next cruise season expected to begin in September, stakeholders and authorities are banking on enhanced security to restore confidence and protect the gains made in reviving Kenya’s coastal tourism industry.