Editor's note: The Star newspaper first published this opinion article here.

Over the last 25 years, Kenya’s expansive North Rift region has faced multiple incidents of insecurity.

These issues stem from historical injustices such as unclear tribal boundaries, community profiling, marginalisation and resource-based conflicts over pasture, minerals and wildlife conservation.

Politically instigated violence has also contributed to the unrest.

This insecurity has seen armed bandits wreak havoc in many parts of the North Rift. They have disrupted education, destroyed property, displaced people and caused many deaths.

Bandits have raided communities for cows, goats and sheep. Their activities are aided by the unchecked proliferation of small arms and light weapons, enabling them to terrorise citizens.

Kenya’s proximity to volatile countries like Ethiopia, Somalia and South Sudan increases the risk of illicit arms flowing into the country. A recent survey revealed over 650,000 illicit firearms in Kenya, mostly in pastoral counties, where banditry attacks are prevalent.

Government efforts to address this menace, including the joint deployment of the National Police Service, National Police Reservists and the Kenya Defence Forces, have not brought significant change.

Bandits continue to terrorise Kenyans, causing numerous casualties. As of March 13, 2024, bandits had killed 75 people and displaced over 2,500. There are fears that the worst is yet to come if nothing is done.

Residents of the affected areas question whether the government has abandoned its duty to ensure their safety and rights, as insecurity has severely impacted education and healthcare.

Children in primary and secondary schools have seen their education disrupted multiple times by armed bandits.

Many teachers are unwilling to work in these areas due to high insecurity. Medical services have also been disrupted, forcing many Kenyans to seek healthcare outside the region at great expense.

Past governments could not address the complex security situation in the Rift Valley despite heavy security deployment and significant resources.

However, the Kenya Kwanza administration seems determined to tackle this issue.

In his inaugural speech, President William Ruto assured Kenyans that the issue of armed bandits and cattle rustling would be dealt with decisively.

High-level security meetings and public reassurances by Interior CS Kithure Kindiki led to President Ruto's directive. This directive called for the joint deployment of KDF and police in all bandit-prone areas.

But the first directive, dated February 2023, dubbed 'Maliza uhalifu', and a more recent one, dated April 8, 2024, have not stopped the bandit attacks.

So, what must Kenya do to eradicate insecurity in the North Rift?

Political will and commitment from the presidency and local leaders are key to bringing lasting peace.

The current administration must prioritise efforts to address the key drivers of insecurity, including the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

A human rights-based approach to disarmament would be significant in ending banditry and making local conflicts among communities less lethal.

Additionally, there is an urgent need for peace initiatives through religious leaders, humanitarian organisations and public benefit organisations.

These efforts should ensure that the different communities within the expansive Rift can coexist and share resources.

Importantly, there must be frameworks for reparations for victims of these violations and accountability for serious human rights violations by bandits or security agencies.

Senior programme adviser, Transitional Justice at Kenya Human Rights Commission