IG Kanja Warning on Use of Live Ammunition Raises Alarms for Infrastructure Security

The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has issued a formal warning regarding the potential use of live ammunition by security forces during public demonstrations. This development comes at a time when political temperatures are rising, placing the security of multi-billion shilling infrastructure projects and construction sites under renewed scrutiny. For the construction sector, the prospect of intensified kinetic responses to civil unrest presents immediate challenges to site safety, workforce stability, and the continuity of essential supply chains.

Operational risks for major projects often escalate during periods of volatility. The Inspector General indicated that while the police aim to protect the constitutional right to assemble, the presence of criminal elements infiltrating peaceful protests has necessitated a firmer stance. For site managers and project leads, this translates to a requirement for more robust perimeter security and stricter access control. Many contractors operating in urban centers like Nairobi and Kisumu have already begun reviewing their emergency protocols to account for the possibility of heightened violence near project boundaries.

Logistics and the movement of heavy machinery remain particularly vulnerable to such disruptions. The delivery of bulk materials like cement, steel, and aggregates often relies on predictable road access. When protests occur, major transport corridors frequently face blockages or security cordons. The warning from the Inspector General suggests that areas designated as protected, including critical infrastructure such as depots and bitumen plants, will be under high surveillance. Any breach of these areas could now result in a more severe law enforcement response, potentially caught in the crossfire of ongoing works.

The broader impact on investor confidence in the built environment cannot be overlooked. A recent security report highlighted that political instability and civil unrest have overtaken economic volatility as the primary concern for Kenyan firms in 2026. Roughly 79% of businesses in the country are expected to increase their physical security budgets this year to mitigate these risks. Within the construction industry, this often involves the installation of advanced surveillance systems and the deployment of additional private security personnel to guard expensive plant equipment and materials that are prone to looting during periods of chaos.

Project timelines are frequently the first casualty of such instability. When site operations are suspended for safety reasons, the resulting delays can lead to significant cost overruns and contractual disputes over force majeure clauses. The Inspector General’s warning serves as a prompt for developers to ensure that their risk assessments are up-to-date. Companies are increasingly forced to balance the need for project progress with the duty of care they owe to their laborers and technical staff who must commute through potentially dangerous zones.

In addition to physical site security, there is a growing focus on the protection of utility infrastructure. Power lines, water piping, and telecommunications cables under construction are often at risk when protests turn destructive. The National Police Service has emphasized that its primary goal is to protect both individuals and national assets, yet the inclusion of live ammunition in the tactical conversation suggests a shift toward more aggressive deterrence.

As the industry navigates these complexities, the emphasis remains on cooperation with local authorities and the implementation of proactive safety measures. Whether it is a government-funded highway or a private residential high-rise, the current security climate demands a higher level of preparedness. Contractors and developers must remain vigilant, as the evolution of public order management continues to influence the pace and cost of building Kenya's future infrastructure.