Kenya unveils security measures ahead of festive season in Mombasa

Kenyan authorities on Friday announced elaborate security measures in the coastal city of Mombasa following reports of terrorist attack during the festive season.

Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Achoki said the measures are aimed at averting any impending attack by the Al-Shabaab terror group.

Achoki said more police have been deployed to key installations that might be targeted by the militant group.

"We have put strict security measures at airport and shopping malls in the county. We urge all security agents to be vigilant during the festive season," Achoki told journalists in Mombasa.

The government administrator assured both local and foreign tourists expected to tour the port city of adequate security, noting that Al-Shabaab still remains a major threat and urged security agents and residents to be extra vigilant.

Achoki announced the establishment of command center to coordinate security operation to respond swiftly to any incidents that might occur.

The move comes after Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet issued an alert following alleged plans by terror groups Al-Shabaab and the Islamic State to attack public service vehicles in border regions and Mombasa.

This is based on intelligence gathered on the groups' planned activities ahead of the festive season.

Police are yet to arrest four terror suspects who allegedly sneaked into the country from Somalia to carry out the attack.

Intelligence reports indicate four terror suspects arrived in Malindi on November 7 and were using a Toyota Prado to coordinate the attacks.

Anti-terror detectives linked them to Jaysh Ayman, a faction of the Somali-based terror group that operates in Boni Forest, Lamu County. Endit