WEEKLY CONFLICT EARLY WARNING EARLY RESPONSE BRIEF 29 March 2025
INTRODUCTION
The KECOSCE (www.kecosce.org) is an interactive and interconnected system designed to track community safety and crime prevention efforts across the Coastal region of Kenya. The platform operates through a network of community volunteers known as peace monitors, who continuously scan their surroundings for potential conflict indicators. These observations are actively transmitted to relevant actors, enabling timely and proactive responses to emerging threats.
During this reporting period, KECOSCE monitored and documented 20 conflict-related incidents, marking a 13.04 % decrease from the previous week. This decline reflects the heightened police responses to the crime that was reported in the previous reporting period. Police operations were intensified resulting in the detention of over 170 suspects in the coastal region of Kenya.
Key Highlights
1. Continued tension across the region over resurgence of Criminal Gangs, numerous attack reported in Kilifi, Kwale, Mombasa and Lamu.
2. Security agencies heighten responses to crime and insecurity in the region through operations and court processes.
3. Machete wielding gangs persist in Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale targeting businesses and pedestrians on the streets.
4. Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi most volatile in the region with major incidents of nonlethal violence and crime.
WEEKLY SITIUATIONAL UPDATES AS FROM 23RD TO 29TH MARCH, 2025.
KECOSCE EWER disaggregated a total of 20 incidents were disaggregated from across the coast region of Kenya. This is a decrease of 13.04% from last week’s disaggregation. 14 threats to security, 3 cases of non-lethal violence as well as 1 case of Gender Based Violence during this period. In addition, KEWER monitored the climate security and disseminated the information through the SMS blast system. This week, 3 reports on climate security were disseminated.
CONFLICT VOLATILITY BY COUNTY.
The security situation in the region has taken a concerning turn, marked by increasing incidents of lawlessness and heightened public unrest. In a recent
alarming event, a Mombasa county garbage collection truck was set ablaze by members of the public, signaling growing frustration and a potential
breakdown in law and order. This act of arson not only disrupts essential services but also raises fears of escalating civil disobedience and loss of control by local authorities.
Simultaneously, criminal gang activities have surged, with organized groups operating more boldly across different parts of the region including Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu. Reports indicate a rise in violent robberies, street muggings, and targeted attacks, leaving residents anxious and businesses on high alert. The brazenness of these gangs, coupled with their ability to mobilize swiftly, suggests a worsening security landscape that could spiral further if left unchecked.
Community members express growing concern over the slow response from security agencies and the increasing perception that criminal elements are acting with impunity. The boldness of criminal gangs reflects a deepening security vacuum that, if not urgently addressed, could lead to widespread unrest, economic disruptions, and an erosion of public confidence in law enforcement.