Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Boxing Day joined residents of Embobut in Marakwet East Sub-County to celebrate the festive season and give thanks, hailing the return of peace and stability in the Kerio Valley region.
Addressing the gathering, Murkomen commended the Embobut community for its cooperation with the government and security agencies, saying the collaboration has been critical in restoring calm after years of insecurity.
He noted that, unlike in the past, residents were able to celebrate Christmas freely and without security concerns.
“The peace we are enjoying today is a result of joint efforts between the government and the community,” Murkomen said, adding that sustained cooperation would ensure lasting stability in the region.
The Cabinet Secretary announced that the government plans to establish training colleges for both the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in the area.
He said the institutions would strengthen security operations while also opening up economic opportunities for local residents.
Murkomen also used the occasion to highlight the importance of environmental conservation, urging residents to protect the Embobut Forest, a key water catchment area that supports several rivers in the region and beyond.
He warned that environmental degradation had contributed to recent disasters, including a devastating landslide that affected parts of the area.
To address the challenge, Murkomen announced that beginning next year, the government will distribute avocado, coffee and other fruit tree seedlings to local residents as part of efforts to restore the forest cover and promote sustainable livelihoods.
He called on the community to embrace conservation initiatives, saying environmental protection and security were closely linked to long-term development and prosperity in the Kerio Valley.
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