Uhuru’s CSs Report to Work, Extend Stay in Office

A section of former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Cabinet is still reporting to duty despite the exit of their boss from office on September 13.

The move by some of the CSs drew confusion as the other section opted to stay out of office.

While some believed that their tenure will end after President William Ruto announces his new cabinet, others expressed that they had already prepared their handing-over notes in readiness for the transition to the next administration.

President William Ruto signs the Executive Orders at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, September 13, 2022

State House

The CSs reported to be still on duty are Labour CS Simon Chelgui, Farida Karoney (Lands), Mutahi Kagwe (Health) and Raychelle Omamo (Foreign Affairs).

Notably, Kagwe signed off the Ministry of Health updates on the global pandemic yesterday, September 15.

On the other end, various reports suggest that Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi has not been in office.

Last week, the outspoken CS wrote a farewell message to Kenyans as he thanked Uhuru for giving him the opportunity to serve Kenyans.

However, the confusion was addressed by Public Service CS Margaret Kobia who stated that her colleagues were serving on a temporary basis with the Principal Secretaries charged with running the day-to-day affairs of the ministries.

“Once the former president has left State House, CSs are in office just waiting to hand over. CSs can be consulted but it is Principal Secretaries that remain to do day-to-day administration of their state departments,” she stated.

Consequently in a circular to all the ministries, the Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua gave a directive on the expenditure and role of the CS during the transitional period.

In the directive, the CSs were barred from spending above Ksh50 million and travelling out of the country on official duty.

Ruto is set to announce his new Cabinet in the coming days following his inauguration at Kasarani Stadium on September 13.

The newly appointed Cabinet will then be vetted by the National Assembly before assuming office. 

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta listens as President William Ruto reads his speech at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Kenyans.co.ke