No supervision for KDF in new Bill

Proposed changes to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Act could see the Chief of Defence Forces receive powers to act without the supervision of the Cabinet Secretary.

The Bill, now in its publication stage, could also see the KDF shielded from accounting for the use of public funds in their operations and allow the National Youth Service (NYS) to be part of a new look auxiliary force among other changes.

The Kenya Defence Forces Amendment Bill seeks to make major changes to the current act of 2012, in what will give the Chief of Defence forces express powers to delegate civilian functions and not be subordinated to the cabinet secretary in charge.

The Bill proposes the removal of parliament’s role in assigning the line Cabinet Secretary Defence functions, his requirement to report to the president and parliament on compliance with policies and directions and removes the requirement for the Cabinet Secretary’s annual report’s inclusion of itemized statements on utilization of public funds.

The defence forces will as such not be subject to civilian oversight as far as spending of public money goes.

If passed, the Bill will strip the line Cabinet Secretary powers to delegate or assign any duty to the Chief of Defence forces.

It will also enable the Chief of Defence Forces to delegate, even to civilian employees, without restriction.

The term of the Chief of Defence Forces, his vice chief and service commanders could be extended by a year.

The Bill will strip the Inspector General powers to oversee administration, command, control and overall superintendence of operations where KDF are deployed to restore peace in the country.

Restrictiveness of brigadier requirements could be relaxed, while the independence of the office of the director of military prosecutions will be enabled.

The Bill, if passed, will do away with the provision requiring the government to compensate families of KDF personnel who suffer disabilities or death while in training

An auxiliary reserve force that includes the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service and National Youth Service will be put in place…

The Defence Council will also not be required to report to the President and parliament on matters deemed prejudicial to national security.

The Bill, forwarded to parliament by Attorney General Githu Muigai through the Parliamentary Defence Committee Chair Ndung’u Githinji, has been published by majority speaker Aden Duale.

Jacque Maribe contributed to this article