Govt Launches ‘Usalama Mitaani’ Programme to Boost Community Security Through Private Guards and Resident Associations
The government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at enhancing security across the country by partnering with private security firms and resident associations, beginning with Nairobi, Nakuru, and Mombasa.
The initiative, dubbed ‘Building Safer Communities, Strengthening Security’, is part of the broader Usalama Mitaani programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA). The programme seeks to empower Kenya’s over 1.2 million private security officers to work hand-in-hand with the police in maintaining safety and order.
Taking a community-driven approach, Usalama Mitaani reimagines public safety as a shared responsibility among residents, the government, and private sector players. The initiative aims to extend the government’s reach, reduce petty crime, and strengthen local safety networks, particularly in neighborhoods, estates, and informal settlements.
“We have just over 100,000 police officers. Realistically, we can’t station officers on every street corner, which is why we must embrace a collaborative security model,” stated Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo during the official launch on Sunday, June 8.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris echoed this sentiment, saying, “Security is a collective responsibility. When communities work together to secure their spaces, we create safer environments for all.”
The programme brings together Resident Associations (RAs), licensed private security companies, grassroots leaders, and law enforcement agencies to foster joint efforts in safeguarding neighborhoods. Using digital tools such as the Hatua App, the initiative will allow residents to report incidents, share intelligence, and co-develop solutions tailored to local needs.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja emphasized community participation, saying, “Kenyans must play an active role in national security by partnering closely with law enforcement.”
Beyond crime prevention, the programme also addresses growing social challenges, particularly drug and alcohol abuse among the youth in urban and peri-urban areas. The Ministry of Interior revealed a multi-pronged strategy combining faith-based outreach, peer-led education, community rehabilitation, and integrated enforcement in collaboration with agencies like NACADA.
“With support from KARA, we’ve set up community-based rehab centres to bring recovery closer to the people and empower neighborhoods to drive their own healing,” noted NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa.
Nairobi Deputy Governor James Njoroge Muchiri called for unity and cooperation, stating, “Let’s respect and support the work of the national government. Working together, we can protect the progress we’re making as a country.”
The Usalama Mitaani programme is expected to scale up in other regions following its initial rollout, setting a new standard for collaborative public safety in Kenya.
