Kenyans asked to submit their opinions regarding 10 Cabinet Secretaries

By Robert Mutasi 

Prior to their vetting process, the National Assembly has requested written comments from the public on the ten Cabinet Secretaries nominees.

Moses Wetang'ula, the Speaker of the National Assembly, forwarded the list of the CS nominees to the Committee  on Tuesday, July 23. 

Kenyans have until Wednesday, July 31st, to submit their opinions, according to a notice sent on Wednesday, July 24, by Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge.

The notice states, "In accordance with Article 118(1)(b) of the Constitution and section 6(9) of the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, 2011, the Clerk of the National Assembly hereby invites members of the public to submit any representations they may have, by way of written statement on oath (affidavit)."

Njoroge ordered Kenyans to provide written opinions on the suitability of any nominee for appointment, along with supporting documentation if they disagree with the nominee's competency.

 The submissions must be emailed to appointments.nationalassembly@parliament.go.ke and forwarded to the Clerk of Parliament.Moreso,  hardcopies are allowed. 

The dates that the nominees will appear for vetting will be determined by the National Assembly.

After that, the Committee will bring a report to the National Assembly for discussion.

Wetangula made it clear on Tuesday, July 23, that the nominees, including the CSs who were reappointed, will also undergo due diligence.

"Everyone, whether they were in the dismissed Cabinet or not, once reappointed must be vetted by the National Assembly," Wetangula clarified, citing the Public Appointments Parliamentary Approvals Act and the Constitution. 

In his quest to establish a "broad-based government" that includes members of the opposition, President Ruto unveiled the initial group of the Cabinet candidates while pledging additional appointments.

According to the law, the President may designate a minimum of 14 and a maximum of 22 ministers.

After the Finance Bill 2024 was withdrawn, government resources were cut, leading to rumors that the next Cabinet might include at least 15 members.

President Ruto's decision to dissolve the previous Cabinet on July 11 in response to anti-government demonstrations and Generation Z's demands for greater accountability and better governance prompted the reorganization of the Cabinet.