Govt Starts Reducing Number Of Advisors In Letter To All CSs
Following the directive, the number of advisors assigned to each Cabinet Secretary has been revised from two to one.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has directed that all Cabinet Secretaries (CS) select at least one advisor to be retained, thus paving the way for the rest to be fired.
In the letter dated July 8, 2024, Koskei stated that this was in reference to President William Ruto's directive on the same as announced on Friday, July 5, among a raft of austerity measures and other State interventions geared towards enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Government.
"The Address outlined policy interventions aimed at ensuring that the sacrifices made by taxpayers are matched by fiscal discipline in the public service. The measures announced also seek to restore faith in public institutions by enhancing accountability, transparency, and the strengthening of good governance within them.
"In that regard, it is notified that His Excellency the President directed THAT the number of advisors in government be reduced by 50% with immediate effect," the letter read in part.
President William Ruto speaking during a Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group meeting at State House, Nairobi on June 18, 2024. /PCS
Following the directive, the number of advisors assigned to each Cabinet Secretary has been revised from two to one.
Additionally, the number of personal staff attached to the CSs will remain as set out in the Public Service Commission (PSC) guidelines being two (2) staffers.
"Consequently, you are requested to assess the requirements of your office and indicate the advisor you would wish to retain to support you in the discharge of your portfolio mandate. Any advisors beyond the set threshold will be immediately phased out from the Public Service," Koskei added.
The CSs were consequently directed to submit to the PSC) the full name of the advisor to be retained, with a copy to Koskei's office, by the close of business on Thursday, July 11, 2024.
On July 5, President Ruto announced a 50 percent reduction in the number of advisors within the public service, days following the retraction of Finance Bill 2024 which had aimed to raise over Ksh300 billion to finance the 2024/25 financial year budget.
During a roundtable interview with journalists at State House on Sunday, July 30, he revealed that he was exploring trimming the advisory board, adding that his administration was thinking about who to let go in an effort to regain public trust in the government.
"It is something to think about. It is something that will exercise my mind. I have heard you and it is something I will think about going into the future. That's a possibility," he explained.
