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 / Issues 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
