Cabinet’s Secretary Offers Ruto More Powers Similar to Museveni’s
Mercy Wanjau, the Secretary to the Cabinet, has suggested transferring the responsibility of safeguarding the Public Seal from the Attorney General’s office to the Office of the President.
During her appearance before a joint National Assembly committee, Wanjau expressed her view that the President should hold the role of custodian for this national emblem, currently held by Attorney General Justin Muturi.
Wanjau, while presenting her input on the National Government Administration Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, highlighted that Kenya has transitioned to a predominantly presidential system, hence the rationale for the President to assume custodial duties.
Additionally, she pointed out that in numerous countries within the region, respective presidents fulfill the role of custodian for the national symbols featured on official government documents.
“She told the Committee that practice in other jurisdictions has it that the President is the sole custodian of the Public Seal. She cited the example of Uganda, Tanzania and Seychelles, where the head of state is the custodian, but can appoint a person holding service, to act as the custodian, while giving directions as to the manner it will be kept and used,” read the report of Parliament in part.
Nevertheless, she highlighted that the President could possess the authority to delegate the custodial responsibilities to another individual.
“She emphasized that even with the proposed change effected, the AG would remain a user of the seal, adding that there would be a broad guideline on its use. Currently, the custody of the seal of the Government of Kenya is with the Attorney General.
“Wanjau also proposed an enactment of the Public Seal Act, to pave the way for the development of regulations governing the description, design, use, custody, authentication, restriction and display thereof,” the report added.
Conversely, various leaders put forward alternative suggestions regarding the bill, which aims to reorganize fundamental aspects of the government, including the Executive branch.
Significantly, there are proposals to introduce the contentious Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) position into the current Executive structure.
The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) stated that these proposals would define clear job responsibilities for CASs, who were previously prevented from assuming office by a High Court ruling that nullified their roles.
The SRC explained that incorporating the CAS position into the existing structure would facilitate the establishment of appropriate remuneration packages for the role.
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Cabinet’s Secretary Offers Ruto More Powers Similar to Museveni’s
