Africa-Press – Kenya. The Government has called on faith leaders and communities to support ongoing peace and development initiatives in the Rift Valley, highlighting the critical link between security, stability, and economic growth.
Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo, made the appeal during a service at the Mogotio Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church.
Speaking to congregants, Omollo commended recent efforts to curb banditry and livestock theft in the Kerio Valley and across the Rift Valley, describing the measures as “bearing fruit.”
“Let us promote peace and responsible citizenship by working with our local administrators, Nyumba Kumi structures, village elders and security agencies,” PS Omollo said.
He urged residents to protect the calm through sustained community vigilance and unity, warning that the progress achieved could be lost without collective effort.
PS Omollo also warned individuals about exploiting youth through illicit drugs and harmful products. ‘
“As a Ministry, we have marching orders from the President. We will not negotiate with unscrupulous individuals who seek to profit from destroying our children,” he stated.
Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo, during a service at the Mogotio Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church, Saturday, January 24, 2026./HANDOUT
On service delivery, PS Omollo highlighted Government efforts to operationalise previously gazetted administrative units.
He said Mogotio now has three new locations and three sub-locations, while across Baringo County, five divisions, more than 20 locations, and over 40 sub-locations will be fully functional. The move aims to bring services closer to citizens.
“We are doing this so that wananchi can get services conveniently without walking long distances — accessing the Chief, the Sub-Chief and other Government offices with ease,” Dr Omollo explained.
The PS reaffirmed the President’s directive that no child should miss school due to lack of fees, uniforms, or shoes.
He urged parents to take advantage of the extended reporting period announced by the Ministry of Education. He also commended the County Commissioner and county education and security teams for their work ensuring learners report to school, noting that Baringo County’s transition rate stood at 71% against a target of 100%.
“Within the next one week, let us follow up on the President’s directive and ensure every eligible learner reports to Senior School,” Dr Omollo said, calling on Members of the County Assembly, the area MP, local administrators, and education officers to collaborate in the effort.
Addressing youth unemployment, PS Omollo highlighted targeted Government programmes such as the NYOTA Programme, designed to boost enterprise development and improve livelihoods.
Under the initiative, over 121,000 young people are expected to benefit nationally, with 70 youth in every ward receiving a KSh50,000 grant to expand existing businesses or start new ones.
The PS also emphasised skills recognition and certification, noting that formal certification can enhance earning potential for artisans like plumbers and mechanics.
Certification, he said, also opens opportunities for local and international employment through the Government’s labour mobility programme.
Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo, during a service at the Mogotio Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church, Saturday, January 24, 2026./HANDOUT
PS Omollo outlined other development initiatives, including the Government’s Affordable Housing Programme, which integrates complementary projects such as markets and hostels to stimulate economic activity and create jobs.
In Mogotio, ongoing projects include newly launched affordable housing and the modern Mogotio market, aimed at expanding access to services and employment opportunities.
The PS underlined that the Kenya Kwanza Administration is implementing development projects nationwide, with similar initiatives in North Eastern, Coast, Nyanza, and Rift Valley regions.
He said these efforts reflect a raised standard of leadership and called on leaders and aspiring leaders to focus on service, results, and unity.
He further urged the Church and community members to remain united, protect children from social ills, embrace education and empowerment, and safeguard the peace gains achieved.
Mogotio Member of Parliament, Reuben Kiborek, who was present during the service, encouraged residents, particularly the youth, to take advantage of ongoing Government services. He highlighted the importance of acquiring national identity cards and registering as voters ahead of the upcoming elections.
The MP also stressed the role of civic participation in strengthening democracy. “Eligible citizens should turn out and vote, as this strengthens accountable leadership,” Hon. Kiborek said.
The visit by PS Omollo comes amid intensified Government efforts to consolidate peace and accelerate socio-economic development in Baringo County and the wider Rift Valley region.
Authorities continue to emphasise that security, education, and job creation are intertwined pillars essential for the growth and wellbeing of communities.
