Advisory: Measures to enhance security preparedness in elections period

Elections in Kenya are usually a hotly contested affair, and the forthcoming August 9 one is proving to be no different.

The electioneering atmosphere triggers excitement among supporters of competing camps, which could in turn escalate to unpredictable outcomes depending on the results.

It is therefore important for individuals and organisations to be aware of their locality with regards to security threats associated with the area and develop contingent plans in case the threat comes to fruition.

In May, National Cohesion and Integration (NCIC) identified the counties of Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kericho and Uasin Gishu to be high-risk areas in terms of election-related violence.

The capital Nairobi County has been segregated into various zones depending on the prevailing risk factors.

In the Eastlands region and informal settlement areas, availability of arms, motorbike gangs, idle youth and drugs abuse have been identified as possible threats to security.

Nairobi North region in the areas of Thika Road, Githurai Market, Kariobangi North and Mlango Kubwa have been infamously associated with political organised gangs, political intolerance and radicalisation.

Areas of Kawangware-Congo, Dagoretti, Wanyee Road, Kangemi have been designed as crime zones characterised by unregulated campaigns, crowds for hire and motorbike gangs.

Residents of Nairobi West and Kibra have been advised to be wary of political gangs and drugs abuse while squad boys in transport centres have been isolated as security threats in Lang’ata and Southlands region.  

As elections D-day fast approaches, security experts have developed measures and guidelines to help keep their clients and the general public safe.

BM Security, for example, has released an Elections Security Preparedness Advisory for their clients and the general public.

In the advisory, individuals, families and residential communities are advised to put in place the following measures;

i). Ensure they have fully stocked First Aid Kits and sufficient supply of any prescribed drugs

ii). Store dry foods as opposed to fresh as electricity supplies may be disrupted and refrigeration not available.

Iv). Have a serviceable fire extinguisher at hand.

v). A full gas cylinder and where possible a spare one should be at handy.

Organisations are advised to update their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), form Crisis Management Teams (CMTs), establish contact with law enforcement officers such as police and local administrators among other measures.