By Michelle Ndaga
Murang’a County has made significant strides in security and governance through the “Jukwaa la Usalama” initiative, achieving over 90% coverage in mobile ID and civil registration units. The milestone represents a remarkable improvement from national historical trends, where a 2019 World Bank study estimated that only 60% of births were registered.
The event was led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and attended by top officials, including Inspector General Douglas Kanja, who has been spearheading reforms in the National Police Service since his 2024 appointment amid rising crime rates. The Kenya Police Service reported a 12% increase in criminal incidents in 2024, underscoring the urgency of data-driven interventions to enhance public safety and governance.
A key focus of the initiative is the operationalization of remaining registration offices within the next three months, aiming to expand access to vital civil documentation. The program is supported by the Huduma Kenya platform, which a 2023 eCitizen report credited with processing over five million ID requests, significantly improving national identification efficiency.
By integrating technology, mobile units, and strategic planning, the “Jukwaa la Usalama” initiative demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to strengthening security, governance, and service delivery at the county level, while addressing long-standing gaps in civil registration nationwide.
