Government to Build Permanent KDF, Police Training Facilities in Kerio Valley

The government plans to establish permanent training facilities for the Kenya Defence Forces and the National Police Service in Kerio Valley. 

The construction is set to begin in January 2026 following approval by President William Ruto. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the decision on Christmas Day, saying the facilities will support sustained security operations in a region affected by recurring banditry and inter-community violence. 

He said the move is intended to replace temporary deployments with a permanent security presence. According to Murkomen, the training grounds will be similar to existing national institutions such as the Kiganjo Police Training College, but tailored to the specific security conditions in Kerio Valley. The facilities are expected to host operational bases for specialised units and improve coordination between the military and police.

The announcement was made during Murkomen’s visit to the Todo KDF Camp in Baringo County, where he joined officers for Christmas celebrations. He said closer cooperation between the Kenya Defence Forces and the National Police Service is necessary to disrupt organised bandit groups that operate across the region.

Murkomen also emphasised the role of local communities in supporting security efforts. He commended residents of Marakwet East for maintaining peace during the festive period, noting that there were no major security incidents during Christmas celebrations in the area.

The initiative comes amid heightened security concerns in other parts of the Rift Valley. In Trans Mara, Murkomen recently declared 14 areas disturbed following violent clashes that resulted in deaths and displacement. 

A Gazette Notice issued on 19 December identified several locations in Narok County, including Kilgoris, Ang’ata Barrikoi, Lolgorian, Mogondo and Kapsasian, as high-risk areas. The government has intensified disarmament operations, with officials reporting the recovery of about 1,000 illegal firearms in recent months. 

Despite these efforts, authorities say armed groups remain active in some areas.

In response to the unrest, Deputy Inspector Generals Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli imposed a 30-day dusk-to-dawn curfew in Trans Mara East and South starting on 20 December.