POLICE IN ISIOLO LAUNCH TOLL-FREE EMERGENCY HOTLINE TO BOOST SECURITY
Residents of Isiolo County can now report crimes and emergencies free of charge, following the launch of a toll-free hotline and a new joint command centre by the police in collaboration with the Regional Pastoralist Peace Link.
The new emergency number : 0800 722 180 : was officially launched at the Isiolo County Police Headquarters and will be operational 24 hours a day, allowing members of the public to report any incidents, receive emergency assistance, and access timely responses.
Speaking during the launch, Isiolo Deputy County Commissioner Edwin Kuria said the initiative is aimed at strengthening community policing and improving emergency response mechanisms within the county.
“This number will enable residents to report incidents directly to the command centre at any time, free of charge. It will help us respond faster to emergencies and take quicker action against criminal activities,” Kuria said.
Isiolo County Police Commander Paul Wambugu echoed his sentiments, assuring the public that the command centre will be staffed at all times.
“There will always be someone at the call centre to respond to any issues, day or night. We encourage the public to make responsible use of this service, especially in reporting criminal activities,” said Wambugu.
The program is supported by the Regional Pastoralist Peace Link, which aims to bridge the gap between the police and communities, particularly in hard-to-reach areas often affected by insecurity.
Mohamed Bare, a programme officer at the organisation, said the hotline will help tackle issues such as banditry, youth radicalisation, drug trafficking, and petty crime.
“We launched this toll-free number to support local communities in working closely with the police to address the growing security challenges,” he said.
The initiative has also received support from religious leaders. Bishop Stephene Kalunyu, who serves as Secretary of Isiolo Interfaith, welcomed the move, noting that many people live far from police stations or cannot afford airtime.
“This number is a lifeline for the most vulnerable. We also appeal to the National Government Constituency Development Fund (CDF) through our area MP to help fence the Isiolo Police Station for enhanced security,” said Bishop Kalunyu.
Meanwhile, Fadosa Ibrahim Mohamed from Peace Link urged women and girls who are often victims of gender-based violence to make use of the toll-free line to report abuse and access immediate help
