Security and Foreign Affairs Committee Background (Role of the Committee)

The Committee handles all matters relating to security and foreign affairs; county policing; internal relations and diplomacy. This achieved through:

• Coordination and harmonizing of CoG views and recommendations on security and foreign affairs
• Reviewing and analyzing policy and legislative related to county policing and security
• Engaging in intergovernmental forums on enhancement of security by the National Government at the County level
• Focusing on the international best practices in relation to security and foreign relations at the sub-national level

Legal Framework?

Approach to undertaking Committee’s Business

The Committee functions through: -

• Inter-county forums
• Intergovernmental forums such as the Summit
• Stakeholders’ engagements

Status Briefs (Current agendas/issued being addressed by the committee)

Engagement with National Government agencies on the need to involve County Governments in matters of security Opportunities that the Committee Offers
The committee offers a platform for peer consultation, sharing of best practices, experience, and learning through capacity building (workshops/seminars) for Counties.

Impact/Breakthroughs/Key Achievements

• The Council of Governors was instrumental in developing the County Policing Authority Guidelines which were gazetted and are now operational
• The Council of Governors convened an inter-agency meeting to discuss security issues, whose resolutions are now being implemented.
• Capacity building- A number of County staff have undergone study tours and security training; which capacity they have applied at the County level

Resources

The committee develops and maintains a variety of resources including: -

• Legal briefs on security
• Policy recommendations
• Reports from consultative meetings

Current Sector Challenges

• Exclusion of County Government presence in National Government delegations’ policy where devolution matters are being discussed
• Lack of a legislative framework that guides the collaboration of the 2 levels of government on security matters
• Exclusion of County Governments in national security apparatus

Key lessons from the Committees Cycle (2013-2017)

• Need for County Governments’ involvement in the security discourse

Priorities and support required from committee leadership from September 2017

• Advocacy for County interests
• Active engagement in intergovernmental activities
• Provision of strategic guidance for the committee activities