Published on March 14, 2024 by Kenneth Wepukhulu
Last Updated on 2 years by Kenneth Wepukhulu
A parliamentary committee has approved a bill seeking to entrench the position of Chief Administrative Secretary into law
The Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) chaired by Tharaka MP George Murugara, however, while approving the bill, proposed that the number of CASs be capped at 22, who will be appointed by the President upon recommendations of the Public Service Commission.
In its report on the National Government Administration Laws (Amendments) Bill, however, the committee stipulated that functions and designation of the office of CAS will require to be streamlined to avoid conflict of roles with Principal Secretary.
“Establishment of the office of the CAS is necessary. The complement of the Chief Administrative Secretaries shall not be more than 22,” the report.
But despite the proposals getting a majority support, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo recorded a dissenting opinion against the move, insisting that the functions ascribed to the office of the CAS are a duplication of those already assigned to CSs and PSs and therefore likely to result in conflict of roles.
Amollo argued that having been a member of the Committee of Experts on Constitutional Review and having undertaken public participation around the country, it was his view that Kenyans intended to do away with position of Assistant Ministers and office of the CAS is akin to that of Assistant Ministers thus, the proposal offends the spirit of the Constitution and the will of the Kenyan people.
Bill was published after the court ruled against appointment of the CASs.
President Ruto last year picked 50 individuals to the position of CASs but the High Court later stopped from assuming office.
The 50 CAS were sworn in by President Ruto on March 23, last year after the National Assembly declined to vet them, saying it had no constitutional authority to do so. The High Court later issued orders barring the CASs from assuming office pending the hearing and determination of the petition.
