Prof. Kithure Kindiki Calls for Enhanced Intelligence Cooperation Among East African NationsNyeri County Public Service Board Advances 939 Employees in a Major Promotion DriveKenyan Government Unveils Comprehensive Strategy to Strengthen National Food Security

Mombasa – Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, has called on Eastern African Regional Chiefs of Intelligence and Heads of Security to strengthen inter-agency cooperation in counter-intelligence, law enforcement, and crime prevention. This appeal comes in the wake of rising challenges such as transnational crime, terrorism, cyber threats, and other emerging risks in the region.

According to Kenya News Agency, During the closure of the two-day Mashariki Cooperation Conference in Mombasa, CS Kindiki emphasized the critical need for collaborative efforts in addressing these threats. “These threats, orchestrated by criminal entities aim to destabilize our nations, compromise our national security, and undermine the rule of law. Additionally, they cast shadows over our developmental prospects, thus gatherings such as the one we have experienced here, is more essential than ever,” he stated. The conference gathered 14 Heads of Intelligence from Eastern Africa, including representatives from Kenya, Burundi, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Djibouti, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Seychelles, Tanzania, and Uganda, to exchange ideas and experiences.

The discussions at the conference focused on five key topics: the threat of terrorism and countering violent extremism, the evolving nature of transnational organized crime, regional geo-political and socio-economic threats, emerging cyber space threats, and opportunities within the region to combat these threats. Kindiki underscored that criminal entities pose a pervasive threat, affecting not only the origin country but also neighboring nations. He urged the region to unite, strengthen alliances, exchange insights, and develop innovative strategies to protect the security and prosperity of their nations.

CS Kindiki further highlighted the significance of multi-agency cooperation within national borders, emphasizing the need for breaking down silos and fostering synergy among various law enforcement and intelligence agencies for a seamless exchange of information. He cited Kenya’s success in leveraging the strengths of different institutions through the constitution of multi-agency teams to address major security challenges, including terrorism, corruption, and inter-communal conflicts.

The Intelligence Chiefs were encouraged to form robust partnerships and engage in real-time information and data sharing. “Real-time information and data sharing are the linchpins of our collective defense strategy. The timely exchange of intelligence enables us to stay ahead of evolving threats, facilitating proactive rather than reactive responses,” Prof Kindiki explained.

National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Hajj expressed confidence in the fruits of the cooperation formed with regional heads of intelligence. “Together we have planted the seed and when we look closely I think it will start germinating. Our seed is in good shape and hopefully, it will thrive. Now we embark on watering the sprouting plant with confidence and great ambition,” he said, highlighting the collaboration’s potential for peaceful coexistence and prosperity.

Former CS Amina Mohamed called for innovation in intelligence methods and the upscaling of resources to optimize achievements in the field of intelligence and security.

Nyeri – In a significant administrative move, the Nyeri County Public Service Board has announced the promotion of 939 employees of the County government. This decision marks a considerable step in addressing the longstanding backlog of staff awaiting advancement since November 2023.

According to Kenya News Agency, Board Chairman Paul Kimondo revealed that the promoted individuals represent a quarter of the entire County workforce. The move is not just a response to the backlog but also addresses the issue of stagnation among the County staff, some of whom had not seen a promotion since 2009. “I am happy to say that this exercise has addressed historical injustices and stagnation of some of our officers, some of whom were last promoted in 2009. These promotions have also addressed succession management issues because certain officers will now be in a position to fit in some new roles of a higher position,” Kimondo stated during the promotion ceremony held at Wambungu Farm, where the staff received their promotion letters.

The County has allocated Sh172 million in the 2023/2024 financial year to fund these promotions and rewards. The health services department received the largest portion of the promotions, with 699 officers being advanced. A breakdown from the Health Department indicates significant promotions for 254 nurses, 80 clinical officers, 72 Public Health Officers, 63 Medical Laboratory Officers, and 61 Medical Officers. Other departments like Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (77), Education and Training (40), and Finance and Accounting (30) also saw a considerable number of promotions.

The salary increases for these 939 employees will be retroactive from December 1, 2023, and the staff are expected to receive their new pay by the end of the month. During the ceremony, Chairman Kimondo urged the newly promoted staff to enhance their efforts and improve service delivery. “We as the County employees of Nyeri need to reciprocate the gesture by working harder and smarter to improve service delivery to the citizenry of Nyeri,” he said.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Deputy Governor Warui Kinaniri, along with Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, were also present at the event. Governor Kahiga disclosed plans to allocate Sh35 million in the 2024/2025 Financial Year for further promotions. He encouraged the staff to seize this opportunity to advance their skills through various training programs offered by the County government and to enhance service delivery to residents. “It is my hope that these promotions will be reflected in the general employee performance of the County staff. It is expected that the employees will be motivated to increase their productivity and deliver better services to the citizenry,” said Kahiga.

Naivasha – The State Department for Agriculture, in collaboration with several allied departments, has unveiled a comprehensive blueprint aimed at enhancing food security across Kenya. This initiative is set to bring about more coordination, harmony, and efficiency among various departments involved in food security.

According to Kenya News Agency, Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Rono highlighted that the blueprint is designed to integrate the plans and activities of eight State Departments central to food security. He emphasized that this integration would help avoid duplication of functions, bring more focus, and clarify the responsibilities of each involved player. The announcement came during a two-day meeting in Naivasha, which focused on discussing the country’s food security and was attended by five principal secretaries.

During the meeting, six key value chains were identified as crucial for driving food security: tea, coffee, sugarcane, cotton, and rice. Special attention was given to the production, marketing, and augmentation of rice production, considering that Kenya currently imports about 80 percent of its consumed rice. Additionally, the production of edible oil was included in the initiative, as Dr. Rono noted that the country imports nearly 95 percent of its edible oils.

Livestock was also added to the list of value chains, acknowledging the significant demand for Kenyan livestock and its products in the Middle East. Principal Secretary for Irrigation Mr. Ephantus Kimotho noted the current rice production and import figures in Kenya. He revealed plans to double rice production by 2027 through increased irrigation land, aiming for self-sufficiency by 2032, despite the existing rice deficit. The State Department plans to expand irrigation acreage from 600,000 to one million, with a focus on certified rice production and high-yielding varieties.

Principal Secretary for Trade, Mr. Alfred K’Ombudo, discussed improving marketing strategies for farmers to ensure they receive fair value for their produce. His department aims to enhance warehousing and storage facilities to reduce the 40 percent post-harvest losses incurred annually. K’Ombudo also mentioned ongoing efforts to access export markets with higher profit margins, including a newly struck deal with 27 European Union countries.

Industry PS Mr. Juma Mukhwana briefed the press about the construction of aggregation and industrial parks in 18 counties, which have already progressed through the tendering stage. Each county will identify the types of raw materials that can be produced and processed into finished products in their industrial parks. Mukhwana stressed that this initiative would significantly contribute to value addition and reduce post-harvest losses, thereby bolstering food security in Kenya.