Enhanced Security Measures Assure Coastal Safety During Festive Season

By Ben Okweingoti 

Holidaymakers, tourists and residents along the Coast have been assured of heightened security throughout the festive season, following the deployment of additional police patrols in key tourism hotspots.

The assurance was given during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Progressive Welfare Association of Malindi (PWAM), held at a Malindi hotel in Kilifi County. Speaking at the event, the Tourist Police Unit (TPU) Coast Regional Commander, Patricia Boure, said security agencies had intensified patrols, particularly in areas recording high tourist activity.

Boure, who was accompanied by Malindi Sub-County TPU Commander Vicky Odhiambo and Malindi Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Joseph Ng’etich, said the police had deployed officers to strategic locations and remained ready to adjust deployments depending on emerging needs.

“We have deployed adequate officers in strategic tourist zones and we will continue to adjust as necessary to ensure swift response to any incident. We are also working closely with all security agencies,” she said.

She noted that the overall security situation in the region was stable, adding that the TPU was collaborating with the regular police, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and community-based organizations such as PWAM to maintain peace and order.

Boure also urged stakeholders to coordinate with the police when security escorts are required, saying the collaboration would help ensure safety and smooth traffic flow during the busy festive period.

She further commended PWAM for donating four motorbikes to the Malindi police, noting that the bikes had significantly enhanced patrols, especially in areas inaccessible to vehicles, and helped curb criminal activities that had previously troubled the area.

PWAM, whose membership is drawn from the Malindi business community, has been actively involved in security and environmental conservation initiatives, including a monthly beach clean-up programme that has earned Malindi national and international recognition.

Odhiambo lauded PWAM and local residents for their continued cooperation with security agencies, saying community involvement had helped make policing more people-centred and effective.

“I am grateful to PWAM, led by chairlady Cate Mwikali, and the Malindi community for their warm reception and collaboration. It is encouraging to see residents taking ownership of security in their neighbourhoods. This is your community—do not allow a few individuals to destroy what has taken years and significant resources to build,” she said.

On his part, Ng’etich highlighted logistical challenges facing the police in Malindi Sub-County, revealing that only one vehicle serves five police stations. He said the donation of motorbikes by PWAM had greatly improved police mobility and response capacity.

“Security is at the forefront of ensuring Malindi remains safe and clean. Our partnership with PWAM, as a key stakeholder, has been instrumental in what we have achieved so far,” he said.

He added that despite limited resources, collaboration with PWAM and other partners had helped the police enhance security operations across the sub-county, reassuring residents and visitors of a safe festive season.