Kikuyu Member of Parliament and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah has proposed the National Government Administration Laws (Amendment) Bill 2023, seeking to make changes to the National Security Council (NSC).
In the Bill, Ichung'wah proposes the introduction of a new sub-committee under NSC comprising of nine members including the Head of Public Service as the chairperson.
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.
Some of the proposed committee's roles include recommending policies and programs related to national security to the council, overseeing the implementation of the council's decisions, and monitoring and giving warnings on threats to Kenya's national interests.
Other roles include preparing reports and briefings on national security interests and performing other functions as prescribed by the Council.
Additionally, the bill proposes a new position for the National Security Advisor who shall be nominated by the President on recommendation of the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The advisor shall be approved by the National Assembly and take up the role of Secretary to the Council.
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.
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.
