Major-General Kameru will replace Major-General (Rtd) Michael Gichangi who resigned last week as the top spy chief on personal grounds/PSCU
National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi made the announcement during Thursday’s House sitting as he passed the message from the President.
Major-General Kameru will replace Major-General (Rtd) Michael Gichangi who resigned last week as the top spy chief on personal grounds.
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President Kenyatta noted that Major-General Kameru has given distinguished service to the country over 36 years, during which he rose steadily through the ranks to Director of Military Intelligence of the Kenya Defence Forces in 2011.
His term of duty has been characterised by exemplary diligence, dedication, and leadership.
“Major-General Kameru is credited with the success of Kenya’s intelligence-gathering in Somalia, as part of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) – a deployment that seeks to restore peace and order to the country, as well as to secure our own borders and the region,” read a statement from State House.
A man known for his discipline and loyalty, Major-General Kameru is rated by the military as ‘an exemplary professional’.
“Our intelligence service must now meet both new and old challenges. Major-General Kameru has gathered extensive experience in operational and administrative matters. He has also undergone rigorous training both in Kenya and abroad,” President Kenyatta said of his nominee.
“His ability has been tested by long service, and his performance and conduct have been found excellent. His experience, learning and integrity show that he is fit to lead and strengthen Kenya’s intelligence-gathering effort.”
The NIS Director designate holds three Masters Degrees – MSc in Natural Resources Management; MA in International Studies; and MSc in Security Management.
The National Assembly Committee on Defence and Foreign Affairs will vet the nominee within 14 days after it first meets after receiving the names of the nominee and present the report to Parliament.
The committee led by Tetu MP Ndungu Gethenji will make history as it considers the suitability of Major-General Kameru, because until the passage of the 2010 Constitution, past spy chiefs were always appointed by the President without going through ‘public scrutiny’.
The Speaker shall notify the President of the decision of the National Assembly.
Section 7 (6) of the National Intelligence Service Act says Director-General shall be deemed to have been approved if the National Assembly has neither approved nor rejected the nomination of the person upon the expiry of a period of 60 days from the date of the nomination.
A person is qualified for appointment as the Director-General if the they are a citizen of Kenya, holds a degree from a university recognized in Kenya; have knowledge and at least 15 years experience in intelligence or national security;
The nominee must have served in a senior management position in the service or public service for at least 10 years, and meets the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity.
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