Ruto Moves To Cut Powers Of Uhuru's CSs
The individuals holding the roles were also directed to remain in office until their replacements have been appointed by Ruto once he returns from his foreign assignments.
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Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries under former President Uhuru Kenyatta's regime have lost some of the privileges accorded to them following the ascension of President William Ruto into power.
In a statement dated Monday, September 19, and signed by Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua, the CSs and PSs have been barred from travelling abroad, and will have to seek permission from the President, no matter the nature of the visit.
The individuals holding the roles were also directed to remain in office until their replacements have been appointed by Ruto once he returns from his foreign assignments.
"It is therefore reiterated that the tenure of Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries currently in Office will only lapse on appointment and swearing-in of a successor Cabinet Secretary or Principal Secretary as the case may be by the Head of State and Government; or upon a reorganization of Government by His Excellency the President that affects a particular docket.
"Foreign Travel by Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries is further suspended unless as sanctioned by the Head of State and Government," the statement read.
Kinyua stated that the process will allow for a smooth transition from the fourth government to the fifth government that clocked a week old on Tuesday, September 20.
Ministerial actions during the transition period in addition have been reduced to just general administration and stewardship over the ministerial portfolio.
This means, for instance, CSs cannot appoint members of board management of state corporations or state agencies as well as from effecting any ministerial redeployments or any new appointments in any ranks within ministries and state departments.
"Ministries, State Departments, and State Agencies (MDAs) shall not issue any new policy pronouncements unless as sanctioned by H.E. the President.
"Ministries, State Departments, and State Agencies (MDAs) shall not effect payments exceeding Ksh 50 million without the prior approval of and verification by The National Treasury," added the statement.
However, Kenyans may be required to wait longer before President Ruto forms his government and unveils his new team. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had previously announced that his boss would the announce his Cabinet after the completion of the recruitment of PSs.
However, the Public Service Commission (PSC) on Monday, September 19 extended the application deadline for Principal Secretaries by a week to September 27, 2022. The extension will give interested Kenyans more time to submit their applications, according to Simon Rotich the CEO of the PSC.
Some of the names likely to be featured include ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi who had negotiated for a Chief Minister position. Others include David Chirchir, Ababu Namwamba and Korir Sing’oei, who took up roles at State House after Ruto was sworn in and are awaiting formal appointments.
Others include Ruto's loyal ally, Garissa Township Member of Parliament Aden Duale, who is likely to be handed the Ministry of Defence or Interior. Duale was the centrepiece of Ruto's campaigns and their relationship grew after the swearing-in ceremony.
Another indication pointing at Duale joining Cabinet is Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah eyeing the leader of the majority seat in the National Assembly. This position, according to insiders, was poised to be handed over to Duale.
Kenyans will also be expecting the president to fulfil his pledge of appointing women to make 50 per cent of his Cabinet and whether he will keep the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) positions introduced by his predecessor Uhuru.
