The KCGS Council
Council of the Kenya Coast Guard Service
Governance & Leadership Structure
The Council provides strategic direction, policy oversight, and ensures the effective operation of the Kenya Coast Guard Service in protecting our maritime interests and territorial waters.
Establishment of the Council
The Council of the Kenya Coast Guard Service was established to provide oversight, policy direction, and strategic leadership for maritime security operations.
📜 Legal Foundation
The Council of the Kenya Coast Guard Service is established under the Kenya Coast Guard Service Act as the supreme governing body responsible for the overall policy, control, and supervision of the Service.
Council Composition
1
Cabinet Secretary - Internal Security
Chairperson
2
Cabinet Secretary - Finance
Member
3
Cabinet Secretary - Defence
Member
4
Cabinet Secretary - Transport
Member
5
Cabinet Secretary - Fisheries
Member
6
Cabinet Secretary - Environment
Member
7
Attorney-General
Member
8
Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces
Member
9
Inspector-General of the National Police Service
Member
10
Director-General of the National Intelligence Service
Member
🔑 Director-General - Secretary to the Council
The Director-General serves as the Secretary to the Council and is responsible for:
- Communicating the decisions of the Council to relevant stakeholders
- Coordinating Council meetings and preparing agendas
- Performing any other functions assigned by the Council
- Co-signatory to Council decisions alongside the Chairperson
✍️ Decision Signification
All decisions or directions of the Council shall be signified under the hand of both the Chairperson and the Director-General, ensuring dual authorization and accountability.
Functions of the Council
The Council exercises comprehensive oversight and strategic leadership responsibilities to ensure effective maritime security operations.
🎯
Policy & Oversight
Responsible for overall policy formulation, control, and supervision of the Kenya Coast Guard Service operations and strategic direction.
📊
Reports & Reviews
Receives and acts on comprehensive reports from the Cabinet Secretary, Director-General, and Technical Committee for informed decision-making.
⚖️
Disciplinary Reviews
Reviews and adjudicates penalties imposed on Service members following disciplinary proceedings to ensure fairness and justice.
💰
Budget Management
Receives, considers, and approves budget estimates to ensure adequate financial resources for Service operations and development.
👥
Human Resource Management
Oversees recruitment, transfers, and promotions of Service members, ensuring professional standards and career development.
🎖️
Senior Appointments
Approves appointments, postings, and promotions of senior officers to maintain leadership quality and operational effectiveness.
🔬
Research & Development
Commissions research on territorial waters protection and Service improvement to enhance capabilities and effectiveness.
🏛️
Presidential Advisory
Provides expert advice to the President on all matters relating to and affecting the Kenya Coast Guard Service operations.
📋
Statutory Functions
Performs additional functions conferred by the Act or any other written law to fulfill legal and operational mandates.
Core Responsibilities
- Overall policy, control and supervision of the Service
- Receive and act on reports from Cabinet Secretary, Director-General and Technical Committee
- Review penalties imposed on members after disciplinary proceedings
- Receive and consider Service budget estimates
- Recruit, transfer or promote Service members
- Approve appointments, postings or promotions of senior officers
- Commission research on territorial waters protection
- Commission research on Service improvement and functioning
- Advise the President on Service-related matters
- Perform other functions conferred by law
Delegation of Powers
The Council may delegate certain powers to the Director-General while maintaining ultimate oversight and responsibility.
📝 Delegation Authority
The Council may, in writing, delegate to the Director-General the power to promote, transfer, or retire ratings, ensuring operational efficiency while maintaining governance standards.
⚙️ Conditions of Delegation
a) Subject to Conditions
Any delegation shall be subject to conditions the Council may impose to ensure proper exercise of delegated powers and accountability.
b) Council Responsibility Retained
Delegation does not divest the Council of its responsibility concerning the exercise of the delegated power. Ultimate accountability remains with the Council.
c) Revocable Authority
Delegation may be withdrawn at any time. If withdrawn, any decision made by the Director-General under delegated power may be withdrawn or varied by the Council.
Important Note:
All delegations must be documented in writing and clearly specify the scope, conditions, and limitations of the delegated authority to ensure transparency and accountability.