The National Government has launched the construction of a multi-agency command centre in the Basir area, Eldas North Sub-County, in a bid to curb drug trafficking and human smuggling along a key transit corridor.

Speaking after the groundbreaking ceremony, Wajir County Commissioner Karuku Ngumo said the facility is intended to enhance security operations in the remote area, which has for years been identified as a major route for illicit activities.

Ngumo said the Basir corridor, located over 200 kilometres from Wajir town, has posed a challenge to security agencies due to its vastness, allowing traffickers to exploit the area to transport drugs and smuggle undocumented migrants.

“This area has been a major route for trafficking of drugs, especially marijuana sourced from neighbouring countries, passing through Marsabit, Wajir, Isiolo and onwards to other parts of the country,” he said.

The County Commissioner noted that the project is a joint initiative of the County Security and Intelligence Committee (CSIC) and the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), with support from Eldas Member of Parliament Adan Keynan.

He said the multi-agency centre will host various security units, including the General Service Unit (GSU), Kenya Police Service (KPS), Administration Police Service (APS), and the National Intelligence Service (NIS), among others.

Ngumo emphasised that the integrated approach will strengthen coordination among security agencies and reduce the likelihood of compromise in tackling organized crime.

“The government will do whatever it takes to ensure drug trafficking and human smuggling are stopped. These activities are destroying our youth and undermining the future of our country,” he said.

Via KNA.