Ruto in a bid to change the National Security Council
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President Ruto in a proposal to the parliament moves to create new positions under the National Security Council
President Ruto in a proposal to the parliament moves to create new positions under the National Security Council.
The National Government Administration Laws (Amendment) Bill 2023, put up by Kikuyu Member of Parliament and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, aims to modify the National Security Council (NSC).
Ichung’wah proposes in the bill creating a new subcommittee under the NSC with nine members, with the head of public service serving as chair.
Other members include the Chief of Defence Forces, the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Inspector General of Police Service, the Solicitor General, four Principal Secretaries (National Treasury, Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Internal Security), and any person with necessary skills and knowledge as prescribed by the Council.
The proposed committee’s responsibilities would include monitoring and alerting the council to dangers to Kenya’s national interests, advising the council on national security policies and initiatives, and supervising the execution of the council’s decisions.
Preparing briefings and reports on matters related to national security are among the other responsibilities, along with carrying out additional tasks as directed by the Council.
The law also suggests creating a new post for the National Security Advisor, who would be appointed by the President based on the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) proposal.
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Notably, as the Majority Leader, Ichung’wah is mandated to advance the National Government’s agenda on the floor of the National Assembly.
“The Secretary of the National Security Council shall be the secretary to the Committee,” reads part of the bill.
In 2022, the National Security Council was accused of having prior knowledge of the results of the 2022 General Election. An allegation the team denied.
Chapter Fourteen of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya establishes the National Security Council consisting of;
(a) the President;
(b) the Deputy President;
(c) the Cabinet Secretary responsible for defence;
(d) the Cabinet Secretary responsible for foreign affairs;
(e) the Cabinet Secretary responsible for internal security;
(f) the Attorney-General;
(g) the Chief of Kenya Defence Forces;
(h) the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service; and
(i) the Inspector-General of the National Police Service.
Meanwhile, other changes proposed in the bill include an amendment to the Office of the Attorney General Act 2012. Ichung’wah proposes the removal of the AG as the custodian of the public seal.
“The bill proposes to amend the National Government Co-ordination Act 2013, to provide for the establishment and function for the Head of Public Service and offices of Chief Administrative Secretary,” reads part of the bill.
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