National Security Council has agenda in plain sight

Even as vetting continued for the first Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Co-ordination of National Government, the business of government must continue. And in this regard, President Uhuru Kenyatta today chairs his first National Security Council meeting in Nairobi.

This is not just any other lame duck congregation. It comprises the President, his deputy, Cabinet Secretaries for defence, foreign affairs, Interior and Co-ordination of National Government, the Attorney General, the Chief of Kenya Defence Forces, Director-General of the National Intelligence Service and Inspector-General of the National Police Service.

Clearly, this would be the most powerful organ of government. Indeed, the National Security Council Act 2012 says the committee will review and make recommendations on policies on matters relating to national security and prioritise the programs that address the internal, foreign and defence interests on the national security of the Republic.

The Constitution says this council will also develop, and from time to time, review the national security policy, identify and develop strategies to enable the security organs to respond to internal and external threats to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and advise the President on the declaration of a state of emergency.

“The supervisory function conferred on the Council by Article 240(3) of the Constitution shall not extend to operational control of the national security organs.”

It is no coincidence that the Council has been called to order today.  The breakout of insecurity across the country must be one matter they will address, but also the frequent forays by Al Qaeda sympathisers into parts of northern Kenya.

The end of efforts to eject Al Shabaab from the region and the desire to have a secure, democratic Somalia needs addressing.

The push-pull in the poilce service is not doing anyone any favours. but distracting them from fulfilling its real mandate. Coming soon after the President met all police brass means he will read the riot act over increased attacks in Nairobi, western and North Eastern.

Vetting will soon be over as soon as Principal Secretaries get into office and this is a signal that the hard work of nation building has commenced.