Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, on Friday, May 5, announced plans to devolve the military countrywide to address security threats.
While appearing before the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, the CS intimated that the move would help the officers respond swiftly to any arising security concerns.
Consequently, a statement by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) indicated that the plans were at an advanced stage and would be unveiled in due course.
However, specific counties set to be the first beneficiaries were not revealed.
Further, the CS added that the government was seeking to improve military technology, to prepare to handle situations similar to the North Rift operation.
“We continue to rebuild capacity to respond to human security challenges, strengthen capacity for military industrialisation and innovation, and increase training facilities.
"We want to be sufficiently equipped to combat threats from the land, airspace, territorial waters and cyberspace,” read the statement in part.
As the government advances the devolved plan, the CS also reiterated its efforts to address the welfare of the soldiers and their families through programmes such as KDF-sponsored schools.
“We want to ensure that the families of our soldiers access the best health care in our medical facilities.
"Additionally, we want their children to access robust KDF-sponsored schools so that the soldiers can perform well in operation areas,” he stated.
Nonetheless, he highlighted that the military still faced many challenges, including the decline in budgetary allocation and encroachment of military land.
Notably, Duale's pronouncement came amid calls for military bases to be constructed in the North Rift as a move to combat banditry in the region.
