MOMBASA- The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations has today retreated with the Ministry of Defence to undertake an induction training intended to familiarize Members of the committee and State Officials on their respective mandates in the defence docket.
During the training attended by among others Cabinet Secretary for Defence Hon. Aden Duale, Principal Secretary Hon. Patrick Mariru and Vice-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Francis Ogolla the ministry officials also highlighted key areas of likely partnership with the Committee.
The Defence Committee Chair Hon. Nelson Koech (Belgut) said enhanced knowledge of Members and Ministry officials on their mandate and deeper collaboration with Parliament was a critical ingredient of service delivery to Kenyans.
“We seek to synergize and harmonize our competence and leadership skills to deliver on our oversight mandate and obligations to the Kenyan people,” said Hon. Koech.
Hon. Nelson Koech: We seek to synergize and harmonize our competence and leadership skills to deliver on our oversight mandate and obligations to the Kenyan people. pic.twitter.com/yJLqjCTW2A
— NAssembly KE C'tees (@NACommitteeKE) March 17, 2023
On his presentation to the committee, CS defence, Hon. Duale pledged to work more closely with the committee to deliver on the Ministry’s mandate.
“I respect the Institution of Parliament and the authority of this Defence Committee. You are the people that defend this Ministry and our Commander-in-Chief on the floor of the House,” said Hon Duale.
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, chaired by Hon. Nelson Koech, MP, Belgut Constituency, is a pivotal player, especially in the budgetary allocation and financing that has helped in the smooth running of the affairs in the @kdfinfo pic.twitter.com/7Lq5Ee9qnr
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) March 17, 2023
Hon. Mariru who previously served as a member of the Speaker’s Panel in the 12th Parliament said he would use his previous parliamentary experience to deepen strategic collaboration with the Committee.
“Actually it is not a favour for us to meet the committee. It is an obligation we have to you and the Kenyan People,” said Mariru.
Other Committee Members Present were Vice-Chair Hon. Maj. (Rtd.) Sheikh Abdullahi Bashir, Hon. Hassan Yusuf, Hon. Martha Wangari, Hon. Elijah Memusi, Hon. Moses Kirima, Hon. Caleb Amisi, Hon. Teresia Mwangi, Hon. Clement Sloya, Hon Zakary Thuku, Hon. Fredrick Ikana and Hon. Mohamed Abdikadir.
