A parliamentary committee has taken steps to formalize President William Ruto’s appointment of Chief Administrative Secretaries (CASs) by endorsing a bill aimed at enshrining the position in law.
Led by Tharaka MP George Murugara, the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) approved the bill, proposing to cap the number of CASs at 22, in line with constitutional provisions. These individuals would be appointed by the President based on recommendations from the Public Service Commission.
In addition to the proposed cap, MPs suggested that recommendations should prioritize regional and gender balance. The report is now subject to debate and potential approval or rejection by the National Assembly.
While affirming the necessity of establishing the office of CAS, the committee underscored the importance of streamlining functions and designations to prevent role conflicts with Principal Secretaries.
The lawmakers also advocated for amendments to prohibit CASs from handling parliamentary affairs, diverging from previous allowances that permitted such involvement. Instead, CASs would focus on their assigned portfolios, inter-ministerial coordination, representing Cabinet Secretaries as directed, and fulfilling other duties delegated by the Office of the Attorney General.
Despite receiving majority support, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo dissented, arguing that the functions assigned to CASs duplicate those of Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries, potentially leading to role conflicts. Amollo emphasized that the creation of the CAS position contradicts the spirit of the Constitution and public will, likening it to the abolished Assistant Ministers role.
The bill’s publication followed a court ruling against the appointment of CASs. President Ruto had previously selected 50 individuals for the CAS positions, but their assumption of office was halted by the High Court. This move came after the National Assembly declined to vet them, citing lack of constitutional authority.
President Ruto defended his decision to appoint 50 CASs, citing a significant workload. The committee’s decision to endorse the bill followed approvals from various agencies, including the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, and recommendations from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission and the Office of the Attorney General.
