The government has raised concerns over a declining culture of civic responsibility and public participation in security management, warning that growing disregard for basic safety norms is undermining national security and public order.
Speaking during a Ministerial Stakeholder Forum between the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo said the erosion of citizen vigilance continues to expose communities, businesses and public spaces to risk.
“The ripple effect of citizens lowering their guard and disregarding basic safety norms continues to work to the detriment of national security and public order,” Dr. Omollo said.
He urged Kenyans to reflect on their civic duties, embrace ownership of national security and actively participate in safeguarding the country.
“We are deeply concerned about the feeble security culture among citizens. From disregarding safety protocols at public events to disruptions during protests, these behaviours put lives and livelihoods at risk,” he said.
Dr. Omollo noted that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been hardest hit by looting and destruction during periods of unrest, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen public cooperation with security agencies.
He called for renewed public interest and participation in intelligence and information-sharing, saying there is “urgent work to be done to build a culture of public order and personal responsibility.”
The forum with KEPSA sought to establish a formal collaboration framework bringing together the private sector, citizens and government institutions to promote safety, stability and resilience nationwide.
The Ministry noted that its partnership with KEPSA has evolved from a reactive crisis-response arrangement into a strategic alliance supporting national security, stability and reform.
KEPSA has previously played a key role in major national milestones, including contributing to the development of the 2010 Constitution, spearheading the Mkenya Daima campaign that promoted peaceful elections, and supporting drought and disaster response efforts — demonstrating how private-sector collaboration can strengthen national resilience.
Dr. Omollo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening the partnership. “We recognise the importance of working together with the private sector to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens,” he said, adding that the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) is finalising key regulations to professionalise and strengthen the private security industry.
“A professional and well-regulated sector is essential to national security.”
Cybersecurity and Police Reforms in Focus
KEPSA’s Security Sector Board Chairperson Annette Kimitei said the partnership is expanding into new priority areas, including police reforms, cybersecurity, regulation of the private security sector and adoption of emerging technologies.
She noted that Kenya recorded more than 842 million cyber-threat attempts in October 2025 alone, highlighting the growing urgency for modern security infrastructure, real-time threat intelligence and disaster preparedness.
“We value our longstanding collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. As private businesses, we are committed to hiring qualified and professional security managers who can support a safe business environment,” Ms. Kimitei said.
Ms. Kimitei also warned that declining public discipline at major events poses a serious safety risk, especially as Kenya prepares to host international tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“We’re seeing a trend where youth occupy stadiums and events without regard for protocols or ticketing. This growing ‘occupy culture’ poses a real risk to public safety and the growth of sports and entertainment as key pillars of the creative economy,” she said.
Sustained Collaboration
The Ministry of Interior reaffirmed its commitment to continued investment in partnerships with the private sector, civil society and community organisations, saying collaborative frameworks remain central to ongoing security sector reforms.
Officials said strengthening civic responsibility, public discipline and shared accountability will be critical to sustaining peace, protecting livelihoods and supporting Kenya’s long-term development goals.
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