NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 21 – The government has intensified surveillance in Mt. Kenya to curb the theft of farm produce, particularly coffee, following a surge in profitability, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced.
Speaking in Nyeri during the 32nd Jukwaa la Usalama forum, Murkomen said theft of coffee and avocados remains a pressing concern for residents of the region.
He noted that the government, through the Regional Security Committee, has developed a strategy to protect coffee factories and cooperative society stores from break-ins.
“Because of government interventions, there has been revival in the agricultural sector, so prices of products such as coffee are rising. As a result, cases of theft, especially of coffee beans and avocados, have increased in this region,” Murkomen said.
The CS outlined measures being taken, including closer collaboration between security teams, farmers, and cooperatives to ensure coffee is safely transported to and from mills.
He also urged cooperatives to install CCTV cameras, adding that even guards manning factories will be vetted as some have colluded with thieves.
Murkomen reported that theft cases have dropped significantly in recent months. In June, Nyeri recorded theft of 2,000 kilograms of coffee, but only 60 kilograms were stolen in July.
“A good job was done in July, and we have seen many recoveries of coffee and avocados. The positive story is that farming is now putting pesa mfukoni, money in people’s pockets, so we must protect it,” he said.
He lauded Nyeri residents for working with security agencies, noting that the county remains one of the most peaceful in the country.
He added that development projects such as roads, Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) markets and the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) were progressing well.
Murkomen, however, raised concern about attempts by some political actors to misuse young people for violence.
“The misuse of youths for political gain, including attempts to revive gangs, is something we are monitoring. We will work with chiefs to prepare society to confront this menace,” he said, warning against incitement to violence, destruction of property and loss of lives.
Despite isolated criminal cases, Murkomen assured that Nyeri remains a safe county attracting investment and development.
Nyeri is the 32nd county to host the Jukwaa la Usalama, a government programme that promotes dialogue between citizens and the state on peace and security.
The forum provides communities and grassroots leaders with a platform to express concerns, share experiences and propose solutions, while promoting transparency and accountability.
