Strengthening Security Coordination Across Laikipia: Multi-Stakeholder Meeting Drives Collective Action

Through the coordinated efforts of our Peace and Security Program, we convened and participated in a high-level security coordination meeting at Mpala Research Centre on 23rd March 2026, bringing together the Laikipia County Security Team, Laikipia North Sub-County Security Team, and conservancy representatives.

A Unified Approach to Security

The meeting provided a critical platform for aligning security strategies across government and conservancy actors. The County Commissioner emphasized that security operations must be continuous and adaptive, announcing the intensification of operations across affected areas and highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing banditry and livestock theft.

A key focus was strengthening coordination, intelligence sharing, and accountability. Conservancies were encouraged to work closely with security agencies, particularly in sharing evidence such as cartridges to support investigations and tracing of illegal firearms.

Conservancy Security Updates and Emerging Threats

During the meeting, conservancies presented situational updates reflecting both progress and ongoing challenges:

• Ol Pejeta Conservancy reported three separate raids in Nanyuki Ranch and surrounding areas, with 27 cattle recovered and 9 still missing

• Segera Conservancy highlighted the presence of bandits hiding in Mukogodo Forest and surrounding areas, calling for targeted operations due to illegal firearms

• An attempted raid involving approximately 100 armed morans at Olenaisho Conservancy was successfully repelled

The meeting also confirmed that names of suspected bandits operating in the Dol Dol area have been identified and shared with security agencies, marking progress in intelligence-led operations.

Strengthening Response and Policy Direction

The meeting reinforced the urgency of coordinated action in response to rising insecurity across Laikipia and neighboring counties. This was further underscored by the government’s declaration of parts of Laikipia, Isiolo, Meru, Samburu, and Marsabit as security disturbed areas, paving the way for intensified enforcement measures.

Other Key Security Highlights

• Livestock Recovery: Successful recovery of 13 cattle (Segera) and 17 shoats (Oldonyiro) through coordinated operations

• Firearms Surrender: 11 firearms voluntarily surrendered in Oldonyiro

• Peacebuilding: Cross-community peace meeting held in Kipsing to address livestock theft and strengthen coexistence

• Security Incidents: Livestock raid in Meru County resulted in injuries and loss of livestock

• Human–Wildlife Conflict: A camel killed by lions in Mukogodo/Kimanjo area

• Security Alerts: Intelligence reports of planned attacks in Ngare Ndare and Sieku prompted heightened alert

• Field Incidents: Ranger injured during livestock invasion in Nareto Conservancy

The Mpala security meeting highlights a growing shift toward coordinated, intelligence-led security management, where conservancies and government agencies are working together to respond to complex and evolving threats.

While progress is evident, sustained collaboration, proactive response, and community engagement remain critical to ensuring long-term peace, security, and resilience across Laikipia’s conservation landscapes.