The Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) positions are set to be eliminated, and the number of principal secretaries (PSs) will be capped in an effort to reduce government operational costs. The Senate has resolved to introduce legislation to merge parastatals and state agencies with overlapping functions to create a leaner government.
The Senate’s resolution mandates the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights to repeal Sections 2 and 12(a) of the National Government Administration Laws (Amendment) Act, which establishes CAS positions.
Recently, Parliament approved an amendment to this Act, allowing the President to appoint CASs following a court ruling that nullified the appointments of 50 CASs. President William Ruto has since paused the appointment of new CASs following ongoing demonstrations.
Unlike Cabinet Secretary (CS) positions, which are capped by law at between 14 and 22, there is currently no limit on the number of PSs, which stands at 51. The Senate unanimously approved the motion, led by Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and amended by Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi and Laikipia Senator John Kinyua, in response to public calls for a leaner government amid economic struggles and declining revenue.
The resolution also calls for the National Police Service to acknowledge and apologize for all deaths resulting from the ongoing protests, now in their fifth week. Furthermore, the motion, presented by Kinyua, demands compensation for all victims of police brutality related to peaceful protests from 2023 to 2024.
The Senate also urges the police to grant amnesty to unlawfully detained protesters and calls on the Director of Public Prosecutions to withdraw all court cases involving peaceful protesters against the Finance Bill, 2024.
“The Independent Police Oversight Authority should quickly investigate and recommend appropriate actions against police officers found guilty of using brutality against peaceful protesters,” he stated.
Additionally, the House resolved that Parliament should implement guidelines to actualize Article 37 of the Constitution, ensuring citizens can exercise their right to picket without loss of life or property.
Regarding the increasing national debt, the House directed the Budget and Finance Committee to work with the Parliamentary Budget Office to independently audit the national debt and report the actual status to Parliament.
“The committee should engage the National Treasury to provide a roadmap for reducing public debt to not more than 55 percent of GDP in present value terms, in accordance with Section 50(2C) of the PFM Act,” the motion states.
To combat corruption, the senators resolved to strengthen anti-graft laws and collaborate with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to intensify efforts to address corruption, particularly in county governments.
The senators have also called for an audit of employment in public service, including county governments. This audit will be conducted by the House’s National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity, and Regional Integration Committee.
“These resolutions reflect the Senate’s commitment to healing a divided nation, fostering dialogue, and implementing reforms to ensure justice, equity, and prosperity for all Kenyans,” Cheruiyot said.
The committee has been tasked with proposing strategies to ensure meritocracy, equality, and equity of opportunities in public service. The senators will also assess the effectiveness of the Competency-Based Curriculum, particularly the challenges associated with Junior Secondary School education.
They are also inquiring about the new funding model for university education, following complaints from Kenyans that it is burdening poor parents.
