State Department urges Committee to enhance funding to unlock operationalization of new administrative units

𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration is seeking Ksh. 2.5 billion to facilitate the implementation and operationalization of newly gazetted administrative units.

Appearing before the Administration and Internal Security Committee, chaired by Narok West MP Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, revealed that 24 sub-counties have been gazetted so far, with only 16 currently operational.

Dr. Omollo noted that the absence of a formal policy governing the gazettement of new administrative units has hindered their swift operationalization.

“There is no policy on the operationalization of administrative units. However, the Ministry has drafted a Cabinet Memorandum outlining guidelines for the creation of new administrative units, which will soon be tabled before the Cabinet,” he stated.

He further explained that the Ministry prioritizes four key factors when operationalizing administrative units: addressing insecurity-prone areas, correcting anomalies in existing units, considering population size and geographical expanse, and ensuring inclusivity and minority representation.

The Committee advised the PS to review the 2017 gazettement process to ensure that population dynamics and inclusivity considerations are adequately incorporated.

Also present at the session was the CEO of the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), Mr. Phillip Okello.

In his remarks, Mr. Okello emphasized the crucial role of private security in supplementing national security, and its contribution to the broader socio-economic framework. He highlighted that the sector employs approximately 1.3 million private security officers.

He reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to engaging stakeholders and conducting public participation forums to enhance service delivery.

“Public participation strengthens governance by integrating diverse perspectives, leading to better-quality outcomes and empowering stakeholders in the private security industry through active engagement,” he elaborated.

In a separate meeting, the Committee met with Commissioners from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), led by CEO Mr. Harrison Kariuki and Commissioner Eng. Philip Okundi.

The Commission raised concerns over inadequate funding, which they said has severely hampered their ability to fulfill their mandate of promoting peace and security across the country.