Kenyans should not panic over the threat of Ebola, as the government has put in place robust surveillance, screening and emergency response measures at all border entry points to prevent and contain any potential outbreak, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo has said.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the Taveta-Holili One Stop Border Post, Omollo said the government is working closely with county governments, health authorities and border management agencies to strengthen disease surveillance and response systems amid heightened monitoring of regional health developments.
The PS said preparedness measures have been intensified at all points of entry and exit across the country to ensure any suspected Ebola case is detected and managed swiftly.
“What we have done as a nation, working with all our officers at our points of entry and exit, is to ensure that we are adequately prepared to handle and deal with any case should it arise. Working together with the Ministry of Health, we have put in place isolation facilities and response mechanisms to protect our citizens,” Omollo said.
He noted that border officials are conducting routine screening and monitoring of travellers while collaborating with public health teams to facilitate rapid detection and response. Isolation facilities have also been established and emergency response protocols activated in partnership with the Ministry of Health and county governments.
Omollo further assured residents that the government would continue providing public awareness campaigns, regular updates and health advisories while maintaining heightened vigilance along border areas.
Concerns over smuggling and illegal trade
During the visit, the PS received a briefing from security and border management agencies on emerging challenges along the Kenya-Tanzania border.
Among the issues highlighted were the smuggling of ethanol, the entry of counterfeit products and other forms of illegal cross-border trade.
In response, Omollo directed agencies operating at the border to strengthen surveillance, improve inter-agency coordination and enforce laws governing trade and movement across the border more strictly.
He also emphasized the need for continuous capacity building of border officers to enhance their ability to respond to emerging security, health and economic threats.
Support for administrators
The PS later met National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), whom he commended for their role in maintaining security, coordinating government programmes and linking citizens with government services at the grassroots level.
He said the government remains committed to strengthening the administrative cadre through improved training, facilitation and operational support.
Discussions during the meeting focused on mobility, staffing and measures aimed at improving service delivery by administrators across the country.
Omollo noted that President William Ruto places great importance on the work undertaken by chiefs, assistant chiefs and other NGAO officers and remains committed to ensuring they are adequately equipped to serve communities effectively.
Education and community development
The PS also engaged village elders from Taveta Constituency, urging them to continue supporting government programmes in security, healthcare, education and community development.
Education featured prominently during the visit, with Omollo attending activities at Lesesia School before presiding over a prize-giving ceremony at Sowene Secondary School.
He described education as one of the most important investments a country can make, saying it creates opportunities and empowers young people to contribute to national development.
According to the PS, the government continues to invest heavily in the sector through classroom construction, teacher recruitment and expansion of learning infrastructure nationwide.
“Government will continue building classrooms, recruiting teachers and investing in education, but parents also have a responsibility to monitor their children’s progress, engage with teachers and support discipline and character development,” he said.
He urged learners to remain disciplined, respect their teachers and parents and make full use of educational opportunities available to them. He also warned against school arson and destruction of property, saying such incidents undermine learning and divert resources that could be used to improve educational outcomes.
Call for peaceful resolution of land disputes
On land matters, Omollo called for the peaceful and lawful resolution of disputes, urging residents to respect both private and public property.
He said national and county government institutions were working together to address longstanding land challenges affecting communities in the region.
The PS also inspected the Affordable Housing Project in Taveta and other ongoing government development initiatives.
He said continued investments in roads, markets, irrigation, healthcare, housing and education were aimed at improving livelihoods and creating opportunities for residents.
Omollo concluded the visit by calling for stronger collaboration between government agencies, local leaders and communities in promoting public safety, advancing education and accelerating development.
He was accompanied by Taveta MP John Bwire, Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek, senior government officials, security officers and local leaders.
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