Government Holds 20th ‘Jukwaa la Usalama’ Forum in Elgeyo Marakwet to Boost Grassroots Security

The government on Thursday held the 20th edition of Jukwaa la Usalama in Elgeyo Marakwet County, with top security and political leaders converging at the Tambach Teachers Training College hall to engage residents on security, service delivery, and community welfare.

The public town hall meeting — part of President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up agenda — is a platform where ordinary citizens, local leaders, and national security officers come together to discuss security concerns and offer direct feedback to the government.

Speaking during the event, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the initiative was designed to strengthen trust between the government and the public, ensuring that national security policies are informed by real-life experiences at the grassroots.

“This forum is about listening, learning, and acting. Our goal is to ensure that local voices shape national security decisions. This is the foundation of our Bottom-Up governance model,” said CS Murkomen.

He was joined by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General – Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, GSU Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, and Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan, among other top officials.

Also in attendance were Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, Deputy Governor Prof. Grace Cheserek, County Commissioner Dr. John Korir, and a host of elected leaders including Senator William Kisang, MPs Adams Kipsanai (Keiyo North), Timothy Kipchumba (Marakwet West), Kangogo Bowen (Marakwet East), Gideon Kimaiyo (Keiyo South), and County MP Caroline Ng’elechei.

County Assembly Speaker Lawi Kibire, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), and local administrators such as chiefs and sub-chiefs were also present.

Residents raised issues ranging from cattle rustling, inter-communal tensions, delayed issuance of identification documents, poor road infrastructure, and police responsiveness. CS Murkomen assured the public that the government would take immediate and long-term steps to address the concerns raised.

“We are not here to make speeches — we are here to solve problems. Every concern raised here will be followed up, and every agency represented will be held accountable,” he added.

Governor Rotich praised the initiative, saying it gives communities confidence that their voices matter. “This is how governance should work. From the ground up,” he said.

The Jukwaa la Usalama forums are being held in counties across the country, and the Interior Ministry has pledged to sustain them as a permanent feature of public engagement on security and service delivery.