Friday August 22, 2014
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday nominated Major-General Philip Kameru as Director-General of the National Intelligence Service to help boost fight against terrorism.A statement from Kenyatta said Kameru's nomination has already been transmitted to Parliament for vetting and approval.
Kenyatta said Kameru has gathered extensive experience in operational and administrative matters, noting that his term of duty has been characterized by exemplary diligence, dedication, and leadership.
"He has also undergone rigorous training both in Kenya and abroad. Our intelligence service must now meet both new and old challenges," Kenyatta said on his nominee.
Kameru is credited with the success of Kenya's intelligence- gathering in Somalia, as part of the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) -- a deployment that seeks to restore peace and order to the country, as well as to secure Kenya's borders and the region.
In the past two years, there have been numerous attacks involving shootings, grenades, or other explosive devices in Kenya in addition to kidnappings of foreigners across the country.
In total, more than 100 people have been killed in these attacks and hundreds have been injured. Approximately 53 of these attacks occurred in northeastern Kenya, mainly in Dadaab, Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera counties which border Somalia.
Several attacks have also occurred along the Kenyan coast as well as in Nairobi and its environs -- all which have been blamed on poor intelligence gatherings.
The statement said Kameru has provided distinguished service to the country over 36 years, during which he rose steadily through the ranks to director of military intelligence of the Kenya Defense Forces in 2011.
"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," Kenyatta said.