Economy

Uhuru taps former army general for Immigration post

gordon

Gordon Kihalangwa (second right) addresses a past media briefing at an army recruitment centre in Eldoret. PHOTO | FILE

Retired Major-General Gordon Kihalangwa is the new Director of Immigration replacing Ms Jane Waikenda who was recently posted to Kenya’s High Commission in South Africa as the deputy Head of Mission.

In a statement, State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu said Mr Kihalangwa’s appointment greatly strengthens the nation’s policing and control of borders as well as internal security.

“Mr Kihalangwa is a dedicated and disciplined officer whose loyalty, integrity and competence are beyond reproach. The new Director of Immigration has a wealth of experience in both security services and people management.”

He holds a PhD in International Studies and Diplomacy and served as head of Military Police before he was elevated to Assistant Chief of Defence Forces responsible for personnel and logistics at the ministry headquarters.

The appointment of a security officer to the department signals the administration’s intent to better police the porous borders that have been a cause of concern for security and business reasons.

The department has in the recent past been accused of non-vigilance even as terrorists from Somalia easily pass through the borders, aliens illegally access Kenyan identification documents and smugglers of ivory and sugar find border officers lax.

Ms Waikenda, a career civil servant, has held the post for one year since she was appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta in June 2013.