Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen hailed the Special Operations Group (SOG), describing them as an elite force that plays a critical role in protecting Kenya against terrorism, organised crime and other emerging security threats.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony of the 11th Special Operations Tactical Course in Samburu, Murkomen said the officers had undergone an intensive six-month selection and training programme that tested their discipline, resilience and operational readiness before earning their place in the country’s elite security unit.
He congratulated the graduands for their dedication and praised the National Intelligence Service (NIS) leadership and instructors for producing highly skilled officers capable of responding to modern security challenges.
“You officially join a club of the elite service,” Murkomen told the graduates, commending their discipline, hard work and perseverance throughout the demanding course.
Murkomen emphasised that modern security threats cannot be tackled by a single institution, saying Kenya’s successes against terrorism, banditry and transnational crime have been achieved through close cooperation among the National Intelligence Service, National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, National Government Administration Officers and other security agencies.
According to the CS, inter-agency collaboration has strengthened the country’s ability to prevent and respond to security threats while creating a stable environment for economic growth, investment and national development.
He linked national security directly to the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, arguing that sustainable development depends on peace and stability.
“Every school that opens safely, every tourist who visits our parks, every farmer who takes produce to market, and every investor who chooses Kenya does so because brave men and women like you stand watch,” he said.
The CS also lauded the Director General of the National Intelligence Service Noordin Haji and the agency’s training department for strengthening Kenya’s national security capacity through specialised training.
Murkomen warned that terrorist organisations, particularly Al-Shabaab, continue to pose a significant threat to Kenya’s peace and economic progress, noting that terrorism and organised crime remain tools used by non-state actors to destabilise nations and undermine public confidence.
He said today’s security environment requires intelligence-led operations, advanced technology, continuous training and seamless coordination among security agencies.
The CS urged the newly graduated officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, integrity and selfless service while carrying out specialised missions.
Murkomen said the role of the Special Operations Group extends beyond counterterrorism to include combating violent extremism, dismantling organised criminal networks, addressing cross-border threats, protecting critical national infrastructure and supporting hostage rescue and other high-risk operations.
He noted that the SOG has earned respect for its contribution in degrading terrorist and bandit networks and restoring peace in affected regions through joint operations with other security agencies.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting security agencies, Murkomen urged the officers to serve the country with courage and integrity.
“Be the shield of the nation, stand firm in the face of danger, and uphold the honour of our security agencies,” he said.
He concluded by telling the graduates that although much of their work would remain unseen, its impact would be reflected in the safety, prosperity and stability enjoyed by Kenyans across the country.
Present was Haji, Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli among other senior officers.
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